وَسَوَاءٌ عَلَيْهِمْ أَأَنذَرْتَهُمْ أَمْ لَمْ تُنذِرْهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ
It is the same for them whether you warn them or do not warn them: they will not believe
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وَسَوَاءٌ عَلَيْهِمْ أَأَنذَرْتَهُمْ أَمْ لَمْ تُنذِرْهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ
It is the same for them whether you warn them or do not warn them: they will not believe
After describing the shackles and barriers that prevent a group of deniers from seeing the truth, the Quran clearly states the outcome: whether the Prophet warns them or not, they will not believe.
The word sawa' means “the same”. Here this sameness concerns the effect of the warning on this particular group, not the value or importance of the Prophet's mission. The verse describes people who, through persistent rejection, have lost their willingness to accept the truth. They hear the divine warning, but it no longer reaches their hearts.
This is the conclusion of the preceding three verses. First, the judgement concerning entrenched deniers was described. Their state was then pictured through shackles, barriers and veils that obstruct the recognition of truth. Now we understand why the Prophet's warning has no effect upon them.
Yet the warning's failure to change this group does not mean that prophetic preaching is pointless. The Prophet is entrusted with explaining the truth and warning people of the consequences of their deeds. Faith cannot be produced through compulsion or merely by hearing words. Acceptance of guidance also depends on a person's inner readiness and response.
This can reassure the Prophet as well: the disbelief of people determined to reject the truth does not necessarily show any failure in delivering God's message.
The next verse sets another group alongside them: people upon whom the warning does have an effect, because they remain open to the truth and mindful of their Lord.