The disbelievers of Mecca were calling for the destruction of the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, and the believers. So he was commanded to say to them: We are believers waiting for one of the two good things: either we perish as you wish, and then we return to Paradise, or we are granted mercy through victory and support for Islam as we hope. So what are you doing? Who will protect you - while you are disbelievers - from the punishment of the Fire? You must face it. This means: You seek for us destruction, which is a hastening towards success and happiness, while you are in a matter that is destruction leading to further destruction, and you are heedless, not seeking salvation from it. Or if Allah destroys us through death, who will protect you after the death of your guides, and those who hold you back from the Fire? And if He grants us mercy through delay and victory over you and killing you, who will protect you? For the one killed at our hands is doomed. Or if Allah destroys us in the Hereafter because of our sins while we are Muslims, who will protect the disbelievers, who are more deserving of destruction because of their disbelief? And if He grants us mercy through faith, who will protect one who has no faith?