Al-Qalam (The Pen): (8) So do not obey the deniers.

It should be known that when the Almighty mentioned what the disbelievers attributed to the Messenger—attributing madness to him despite the perfection God had bestowed upon him in matters of religion and character—He followed that by what calls him to be firm with his people and strengthens his heart, despite the small number of believers and the large number of disbelievers. This Surah is among the earliest revealed.

Therefore, He said: {So do not obey the deniers} (8:8). This means the leaders of the people of Mecca. This is because they invited him to the religion of their forefathers, so God forbade him from obeying them. This is an incitement and encouragement from God for him to be steadfast in opposing them.

Then He said:

{They wish that you would compromise so they would compromise.} (8:9)

{And do not obey every habitual swearer, contemptible one,} (8:10)

{A slanderer, a spreader of malicious gossip,} (8:11)

{A preventer of good, an aggressor, a sinner,} (8:12)

{A harsh one, moreover, an illegitimate one [or an infamous one].} (8:13)