The last verses in the Surah of Al-‘Alaq were revealed in relation to Abu Jahl
9-1-2014 | IslamWeb
Question:
Who is meant by the verse that reads (what means): {Then let him call his associates; * We Will Call the angels of Hell. * No! Do not obey him. But prostrate and draw near [to Allaah].}[Quran 96:17-19]?
Answer:
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.
The scholars of Tafseer mentioned that these verses were revealed in relation to Abu Jahl, this nation’s Pharaoh. Allaah Almighty Says (what means):
{Have you seen the one who forbids.* A servant when he prays? *Have you seen if he is upon guidance? * Or enjoins righteousness? *Have you seen if he denies and turns away –* Does he not know that Allaah Sees? * No! If he does not desist, We Will surely Drag him by the forelock – * A lying, sinning forelock.}[Quran 96:9-16]
Ibn Katheer 
stated in his Tafseer that these verses were revealed in relation to Abu Jahl, who threatened the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, at the Ka‘bah.
It is well-known that these verses can include all those who stand as stumbling blocks in the way of Islam and practicing its rites the way Allaah Almighty Has Legislated. There is a famous religious rule that says:
The text of religious authority is construed in accordance with its general indication without restricting it to any relevant surrounding circumstances or causes.