Most interpreters believe that it refers to the worldly...

Most interpreters believe that it refers to the worldly punishments that Allah had inflicted upon the polytheists, including the disastrous severe defeat they had suffered in the Battle of Badr.[^1] There are other interpreters, however, that think that the verse probably includes the punishment both in this world and in the Hereafter.[^2] Bearing in mind that this Sura was revealed in Mecca when the believers were forced to undergo many hardships, these verses gave them much solace and comfort.

The next verse emphasizes the fact that Allah is Almighty, and removes any doubt and uncertainty about the victory of the believers over their enemies and gives them solace.

The verse says: “And verily We are able to show you that which We promise them.” As history has ever shown, this power of Allah has been demonstrated over and over in different places and on different occasions after the Battle of Badr where a much smaller military force inflicted a major defeat upon a much larger and well equipped enemy by Allah’s command.

Allah gave His Prophet solace by saying that He had the power to punish the unbelievers but He often postpones their punishment for various reasons some of which have been listed below: They are given time and opportunity to repent. They are given a final argument. In their future generations some believers are going to be born. For the sake of the Prophet (S) who is the cause of blessings and grace.

“And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they attend me’.” The Prophet (S) has been taught by Allah and has been called upon to treat the enemies of Islam in the best manner. Evil can be repelled with evil, but this method is not appropriate for a spiritual leader.

Thus, the Prophet (S) has been explicitly ordered to behave with this group with moderation, compassion and justice, to repel their evil deeds with indulgence, forgiveness, and goodness, and to answer their unpleasant words with reason and intelligence.