Al-Hajj: (49) Say, "O people..."

(Say, "O people, I am only to you a clear warner.")

The context indicates that the intended meaning of "the people" is the polytheists, as the discourse is directed towards them. It is as if it were said: "Say, O polytheists who hasten the punishment, I am only a warner to you—a clear warning—by way of what has been revealed to me regarding the tidings of destroyed nations, without my having any agency in bringing about the promised punishment that you hasten, such that you would hasten it through me." Thus, the reason for restricting the address to being a "warner" is apparent. As for the reason for mentioning the believers and their reward in the words of the Almighty: