Page 131 - Some Secrets of the Qur'an

THE SECRET OF WHY GOD DOES NOT IMMEDIATELY PUNISH THE DISBELIEVERS 129

appointment and they will not find any refuge from
it. (Surat al-Kahf: 58)

That many people are not immediately repaid for their
wrong actions may lead them to think that they will never be
held accountable for their evil acts. This presumption hinders
them from asking for repentance, feeling regret and
rectifying their errors. Furthermore, this adds to their
insolence. Being bereft of wisdom, they cannot foresee that
this will render their punishment even more unbearable in
the hereafter. In the Qur'an, God states the following:
Those who disbelieve should not imagine that the
extra time We grant to them is good for them. We
only allow them more time so they will increase in
evildoing. They will have a humiliating
punishment. (Surah Ali 'Imran: 178)
This is a delay created by God only to put man to the test.
However, there is surely an appointed time in the sight of
God so that every man can be repaid for what he has engaged
in. When this appointed time is over, it can neither be
delayed nor drawn closer, not for a moment. God informs us
that everyone will certainly be repaid:

And were it not for a decree that has already gone
forth from your Lord, and a specified term, (their
punishment) would have inevitably taken place
already. (Surah Ta Ha: 129)
I will give them more time. My subtle scheme is
sure. (Surat al-A'raf: 183)