The surah provides new confirmation that believers are permitted to return an evil deed by a similar one, after having stated that they were allowed to respond to oppression, defending themselves. It makes clear that such self defense is appropriate: “However, no blame attaches to those who defend themselves after having been wronged. Blame attaches only to those who oppress other people and transgress in the land against all right. For such, there is painful suffering in store.”

A wronged person who retaliates against injustice, repays an evil act with its like, and who makes sure not to transgress his limits, is simply exercising his legitimate right. Hence, no blame attaches to him. No one should prevent him from exacting justice. The ones to be stopped are those who oppress and encroach on others.

Human life cannot be set on a right basis while injustice continues unchecked and its perpetrators go about freely, fearing no consequence. God warns all perpetrators of injustice that they will be severely punished, but people must also rise against those responsible and prevent them from committing further injustice.

The surah again refers to the need for self restraint, patience in adversity and forgiveness in personal cases, when such forgiveness is exercised as an act of magnanimity taken from a position of strength and ability to retaliate: “As for the one who is patient in adversity and forgives; this requires the exercise of truly strong resolve.”

When we take these verses and similar texts together, we clearly see how they ensure balance between the two directions. They want a Muslim to be free of grudge, anger, weakness, servility, as also of injustice and oppression. A Muslim should always seek God’s pleasure, aware that patience is his mainstay as he continues his life journey.

Together, these qualities which believers should have impart a distinctive character to the Muslim community, the community that is assigned the task of leading mankind.

Having outlined the qualities of believers who have ample and more lasting reward from God, the surah paints the opposite picture of those who go astray and inflict injustice. They will inevitably suffer humiliation: “He whom God lets go astray will have no one else to protect him. When the wrongdoers come face to face with the suffering [awaiting them], you will see them exclaiming, ‘Is there any way of return?’”

What God wills is certain to take place. No one can change a course God has determined. Hence, “He whom God lets go astray will have no one else to protect him.” (Verse 44) When God knows, on the basis of a person’s true attitude and actions that he deserves to be left astray, His word that this person be left to follow his own devices will be done. He will then have no one to save him from error or its ultimate results, or to assist in its retraction: “When the wrongdoers come face to face with the suffering [awaiting them], you will see them exclaiming, ‘Is there any way of return?’ You shall see them brought before the fire, disgraced and humiliated, looking with a furtive glance.”

In this present world, the wrongdoers are normally arrogant, despotic and transgressors. Hence, their highlighted aspect on the Day of Judgement is that of humiliation. They see the suffering awaiting them and their pride crumbles. Subdued, they will meekly ask: “Is there any way of return?” It is a question that combines eagerness and despair of any chance to save themselves. They are made to see the fire and they look at it in disgrace and utter humiliation. They cannot lift their eyes; therefore, they cast only a furtive glance.

It will be clear then that the believers are the ones who state the truth: “The believers will then say: The true losers are the ones who have forfeited themselves and their kindred on this Day of Resurrection.” They are the ones who have lost everything, standing there humbly asking for a second chance that will not be given. The final comment on this image explains the outcome for those brought before the fire: “Indeed the wrongdoers will fall into long-lasting suffering. No protector whatever will they have to help them against God. He whom God lets go astray shall find no way forward.”

No support will be forthcoming as the final word has been said and all ways are sealed.