Tafsir of Ya seen 36:59

Surah Ya-Sin (36): Verse 59

وَامْتَازُوا الْيَوْمَ أَيُّهَا الْمُجْرِمُونَ (And be distinguished, O criminals, this Day.)

There are several interpretations regarding the command "Be distinguished (Imtāzū)":

1. Distinguish Yourselves Internally: This means to separate yourselves in your very beings, as stated in the verse: “The sky almost splits apart from above it” (Al-Mulk: 8), meaning one part separates from the other. However, their distinction here is due to intense regret and remorse. The rationale for this sequence is that the criminal sees the high station and honor of the believer, contrasted with his own low and degraded status. Thus, they are told, "Be distinguished today," because there is no remedy for your pain nor a cure for your affliction.

2. Distinguish Yourselves from the Believers: They will be separated from the believers because they will witness the reward and honor bestowed upon the believers. Then they will be told to separate and enter their dwellings in the Fire, meaning there will never again be any association with the believers.

3. Distinguish Yourselves from One Another: This contrasts with the believers who will be gathered with their brethren, as indicated by the verse: “They and their spouses” (Ya-Sin: 56). The people of the Fire will suffer painful torment and the torment of separation. There is no torment greater than separation. Indeed, the wise have stated that every torment is due to the disruption of connection. For instance, if a person’s hand is cut off, causing pain throughout his body, the suffering is due to the separation of one part from another. However, physical separation is less severe than spiritual separation.

4. Distinguish Yourselves from Your Intercessors and Companions: Today, you have no close friend (ḥamīm) nor an intercessor (shafīʿ).

5. Distinguish Yourselves from What You Hoped For: Withdraw from every good thing. The criminal is one who commits the crime.

Alternative Interpretation (Command of Creation): It is also possible that the meaning is that Allah Almighty commands them: "Be distinguished," and thereupon, a mark appears on them by which they are recognized, as stated: “The criminals will be recognized by their marks” (Ar-Rahman: 41). In this case, the command “Be distinguished” becomes a command of creation (amr takwīnī), just as He says, "Be," and it is, so He says, "Be distinguished," and they are distinguished by their marks appearing on their foreheads or faces.

أَلَمْ أَعْهَدْ إِلَيْكُمۡ يَـٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ أَن لَّا تَعْبُدُواْ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنَ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ (Did I not enjoin upon you, O children of Adam, that you not worship Satan? Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.)