Surah 44. Ad-Dukhan, Ayah 49

Lit., "for, behold, thou wert . . .", etc. - thus alluding to the sin of arrogance due to disbelief in a continuation of life after death and, hence, in man's ultimate responsibility to God. (Cf. {96} "Verily, man becomes grossly overweening whenever he believes himself to be self-sufficient" - and the corresponding note [4].)

 Abu Jahl, a Meccan pagan leader, met the warning of punishment in the Hereafter by exclaiming, “How can I be punished when I am the mighty, noble one!”

In this particular Sura the besetting sin we are considering is the arrogance born of place or power, wealth or honour, as understood in this world. The punishment of ignominy looks back to the kind of sin which is to be punished.