129وَلَولا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَت مِن رَبِّكَ لَكانَ لِزامًا وَأَجَلٌ مُسَمًّىMuhammad AsadNow were it not for a decree that has already gone forth from thy Sustainer, setting a term1 [for each sinner's repentance], it would inescapably follow [that all who sin must be doomed at once].2Lit., "and a term set [by Him]". This phrase, placed in the original at the end of the sentence, connects - as most of the classical commentators point out - with the opening clause of this verse, and has been rendered accordingly.Cf. 10:11 and 16:61.