جَزاءً وِفاقًا

A fitting requital.

EXEGESIS

Wifāq is an infinitive, meaning to agree or fit mutually. The usage of an infinitive in these cases indicates an emphasis and exaggeration of the intended meaning.^{‎[1]Mizan, 20/169.} Therefore, the aforementioned punishments are completely according to what they deserve. [They will call out to the faithless:] ‘O faithless ones! Do not make any excuses today. You are only being requited for what you used to do’ (66:7).

EXPOSITION

This is a two-word sentence that outlines a very fundamental and profound Quranic principle, that: The requital of evil is an evil like it (42:40); whoever brings vice shall not be requited except with its like (6:160; also see 28:84, 30:10, 40:40). This verse is essentially an expression for God’s justice, that your Lord does not wrong anyone (18:49). The punishments that the rebels will suffer in hell are excruciating and beyond imagination, yet they are A fitting requital, i.e. in accordance with their own actions and nothing in addition to what they deserve and have earned for themselves. No soul does evil except against itself, and no bearer shall bear another’s burden; then to your Lord will be your return, whereat He will inform you concerning that about which you used to differ (6:164).

It should be noted that this only sets an upper bound on their punishment, meaning that they will not be punished more than what they deserve, but it could be that they receive less than their fair share of punishment: and He excuses many [an offence] (42:30, 42:34). The good-doers will receive more reward than their good deeds but the evildoers will not receive any more punishment than the evil they have done: Those who are virtuous shall receive the best reward and more … For those who have committed misdeeds, the requital of a misdeed shall be its like (10:26-27). The next verses discuss why their punishment is A fitting requital.

INSIGHTS FROM OTHER TRADITIONS

1. And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.^{‎[2]Leviticus 26:18.}
2. And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me; Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.^{‎[3]Leviticus 26:27-28.}

It should be noted that these and other similar verses in the Old Testament (Leviticus 26:21, Leviticus 26:23-24, Isaiah 65:6-7, Jeremiah 16:18) are about punishment in this world, not the hereafter. Nevertheless, they raise some questions about God’s justice in the Old Testament.

3. Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.^{‎[4]Jeremiah 4:18.}
4. I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.^{‎[5]Jeremiah 17:10.}
5. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.^{‎[6]Proverbs 14:14.}
6. Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.^{‎[7]1 Corinthians 3:8.}

These passages could also provide some insight to verse 36.

[1] Mizan, 20/169.
[2] Leviticus 26:18.
[3] Leviticus 26:27-28.
[4] Jeremiah 4:18.
[5] Jeremiah 17:10.
[6] Proverbs 14:14.
[7] 1 Corinthians 3:8.