The Quran

Preface

قُل مَن كانَ فِي الضَّلالَةِ فَليَمدُد لَهُ الرَّحمٰنُ مَدًّا ۚ حَتّىٰ إِذا رَأَوا ما يوعَدونَ إِمَّا العَذابَ وَإِمَّا السّاعَةَ فَسَيَعلَمونَ مَن هُوَ شَرٌّ مَكانًا وَأَضعَفُ جُندًا

Yusuf Ali

Say: “If any men go astray, (God) Most Gracious extends (the rope) to them, until, when they see the warning of God (being fulfilled) - either in punishment¹ or in (the approach of) the Hour,- they will at length realise who is worst in position, and (who) weakest in forces!

God’s wanting is that every evil deed must have its punishment, and that there will be a Hereafter, the day of Judgment, or the Hour, as it is frequently called. The punishment of evil often begins in this very life. For instance, overindulgence and excesses of all kinds bring on their Nemesis quite soon in this very life. But some subtler forms of selfishness and sin will be punished?as every evil will be punished?in its own good time, as the Hour approaches. In either case, the arrogant boasting sinners will realise that their taunt? who is best in position and in forces? (19:73)?is turned against themselves.