When their term comes...

When their term comes, then they shall neither put(it)off an hour, nor hasten(it). '" In fact, the Qur'an warns the polytheists not to hasten and jump unduly to conclusions. When the timing of their death comes no delays or advances will happen.

Commentary : Verse 50 (50) قُلْ أَ رَأَيْتُمْ إِنْ أَتاكُمْ عَذابُهُ بَياتاً أَوْ نَهاراً ما ذا يَسْتَعْجِلُ مِنْهُ الْمُجْرِمُونَ " Say: 'Have you considered If His punishment comes upon you by night or by day, what portion of it will the sinners wish to hasten ?" Commentary : The Qur'an raises the third answer in this verse. It orders the Prophet(p.b.u.h.) to tell the infidels that it is not improbable for Allah's punishment to come to them during the day- time or at night.

Then, are they in a position to repel such a sudden punishment from themselves ? The verse says: " Say: 'Have you considered If His punishment comes upon you by night or by day, what portion of it will the sinners wish to hasten ?" In this case, under what pretexts do the culprits and sinners make haste. Upon this meaning, Sura An- Naml, No.

72, verse 17 says: "And they say: 'when will this threat come to pass, if you are truthful ?" Commentary : Verse 51 (51) أَ ثُمَّ إِذا ما وَقَعَ آمَنْتُمْ بِهِ آلْآنَ وَ قَدْ كُنْتُمْ بِهِ تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ " Is it when it(the punishment)comes to pass, you will believe in it ? Ah! Now ? And you wanted(aforetime)to hasten it on ?

" Commentary : The Qur'an provides the fourth answer for them in this noble verse, asking them whether they intend to believe in Him once the punishment emerges.(Faith established under such circumstances is fruitless). They would be told implying that: 'Now, that the punishment has come, you have faith and supplicate and you repent while before this you were ridiculing and were hastily asking for the punishment.

' The verse says: " Is it when it(the punishment)comes to pass, you will believe in it ? Ah! Now ? And you wanted(aforetime)to hasten it on ? " Commentary : Verse 52 (52) ثُمَّ قيلَ لِلَّذينَ ظَلَمُوا ذُوقُوا عَذابَ الْخُلْدِ هَلْ تُجْزَوْنَ إِلاَّ بِما كُنْتُمْ تَكْسِبُون " Then it will be said to those who were unjust: 'Taste you the enduring punishment!

Are you requited aught save what you used to earn ?" Commentary : Those who have oppressed themselves will be told on the Day of Resurrection that they should suffer eternal punishment in the Hereafter following their sufferings afflictions in the world.

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