80 Preface وَقالوا لَن تَمَسَّنَا النّارُ إِلّا أَيّامًا مَعدودَةً ۚ قُل أَتَّخَذتُم عِندَ اللَّهِ عَهدًا فَلَن يُخلِفَ اللَّهُ عَهدَهُ ۖ أَم تَقولونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ ما لا تَعلَمونَYusuf AliAnd they say: “The Fire1 shall not touch us but for a few numbered days:” Say: “Have ye taken a promise from God, for He never breaks His promise? or is it that ye say of God what ye do not know?”The Jews, in their arrogance might say: Whatever the terror of Hell may be for other people, our sins will be forgiven, because we are the children of Abraham; at worst, we shall suffer a short definite punishment and then be restored to the “bosom of Abraham.” This bubble is pricked here. Read this verse with 2:81-82. The general application is also clear. If Unfaith claims some special prerogative, such as race, “civilization,” political power, historical experience, and so on, these will not avail in God’s sight. His promise is sure, but His promise is for those who seek God in Faith, and show it in their conduct. (Cf. 3:24 and n. 1142).