An Admonitory Sign — Page 14
[ 14 ] chastisement go?’ Allah says, in response to this, just tell them: 7 It is possible that you have not realized it, but an event may already have begun to unfold. These are the things that you are demanding. A portion of them may have already started to pursue you and you have no awareness that God’s chastisement has already started to chase you and it is not going to leave you. But why is it chasing you and why is it not seizing you. Why is this respite being given? Allah says: 8 Allah is extremely kind to men. He is slow in punishing. He does not derive any pleasure from punishing people. Therefore many a time, He makes such provisions that, if transgressors do not desist, God’s wrath that had already started pursuing them, catches them before the transgres- sors can claim their victory. But before such chastisement takes place, Allah the Almighty wishes that they might see what is right, that the blessing and bounty of God should 7. Say, ‘It may be some of that promised punishment , which you arrogantly demand to befall you forthwith, is already at your heels. ’ ( S u rah al-Naml , 27:73) 8. And, truly, your Lord is Gracious to mankind, but most of them are not grateful. ( S u rah al-Naml , 27:74). . .