[2:161-2] But those who disbelieve, and die disbelieving - upon them shall be the curse of God and the angels, and of people altogether. * Abiding therein: the chastisement shall not be lightened for them, no respite shall be given them.
The allusion in it is to those to who, after they have travelled the path of spiritual desire (irāda), find it fitting to return to the states of the people of habit (ahl al-ʿāda). Then they are in the grip of this estrangement [from the path] and in this condition leave the world. Those are the companions of separation. There is no drawing near for their spirits or setting straight their calamity, no asking for mercy from anyone. They have lost in this world and the Hereafter. Gnats curse them in the air and stagnation in the water (yalʿanuhum al-baqq fī'l-hawāÌ wa'l-naqʿu ʿalā'l-māÌ).
Abiding: i.e. they remain forever in their contemptible position and insignificance without any lightening or relief, without kindness or favors.