Surah Ya Sin (Ya Sin) 36 : 70

Explanatory Note

“This is but a reminder and a Qur’ān making all things clear.” (Verse 69) Both descriptions apply to the same thing: the role of revelation is to be a reminder as it works on the mind keeping it alert, and the Qur’ān is to be recited. It has been revealed to perform a particular task: “to warn everyone who is alive, and that the word of God be proved against the unbelievers.” (Verse 70) Here the Qur’ānic expression contrasts unbelief with life, making unbelief equal to death and propensity to faith equal to life. Thus, the Qur’ān has been revealed to the Prophet Muĥammad (peace be upon him) so as to warn those who are alive and can benefit from the warning. The unbelievers, on the other hand, are dead and cannot hear the warning. Therefore, the function of the Qur’ān, in as far as they are concerned, is to record their situation which makes them deserve punishment. God will not inflict punishment on anyone who has not received His message. Punishment is for those who did receive His message and who were determined to disbelieve in it, thereby writing their own ruin.