Previously we discussed the meaning of the separate letters that appear in the beginnings of some Surahs.
{(This is) a Book which We have revealed unto you...}

Allah says, This is a Book that We have revealed to you, Muhammad. This 'Book', is the Glorious Qur'an, the most honored Book, that Allah sent down from heaven to the most honored Messenger of Allah sent to all the people of the earth, Arabs and non-Arabs alike,
{in order that you might lead mankind out of darkness into light}

We sent you, O Muhammad, with this Book in order that you might lead mankind away from misguidance and crookedness to guidance and the right way,'
{Allah is the Wali (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Awliya (supporters and helpers) are Taghut (false deities), they bring them out from light into darkness.} [2:257], and,
{It is He Who sends down manifest Ayat to His servant that He may bring you out from darkness into light.} [57:9]
Allah said next,
{by their Lord's leave}. He guides those whom He destined to be guided by the hand of His Messenger, whom He sent to guide them by His command,
{to the path of the Almighty,}

Who can never be resisted or overcome. Rather, Allah is the Almighty Who subdues everything and everyone else,
{the Praised.}

Who is glorified and praised in all His decisions, laws and decrees, Who is the Only Lord and the Only True God.
Allah's statement,
{Allah to Whom belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth!}

Some recite it as an adjective describing the Praised One (thus making the translation, 'the Praised, Allah...'), while others read it as an independent clause (meaning, 'It is Allah...'). Allah said in another Ayah,
{Say: "O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah - to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth."} [7:158]
Allah said next,
{And woe unto the disbelievers from a severe torment.}

warning them of the punishment on the Day of Resurrection, for they defy you, O Muhammad, and reject you. Allah then described the disbelievers as preferring the life of the present world to the Hereafter. So they work for this life, but they ignore the Hereafter and forget it completely as if it does not exist.
{and hinder (men) from the path of Allah}

the ways of truth,
{and seek crookedness therein}

they want the path of Allah to be crooked, even though it is straight and does not deviate on account of those who defy or betray it. When the disbelievers do this, they become engulfed in ignorance and misguidance far away from truth, and therefore, there is no hope that they will gain guidance and correctness while on this state.