47أَو يَأخُذَهُم عَلىٰ تَخَوُّفٍ فَإِنَّ رَبَّكُم لَرَءوفٌ رَحيمٌShabbir AhmedOr that His Law could cause such nations to decline slowly. (6:65), (7:182). And yet, your Lord is most Compassionate, Merciful. (He has ordained the Law of Respite for individuals and nations).