أَوْ يَأْخُذَهُمْ عَلَىٰ تَخَوُّفٍ فَإِنَّ رَبَّكُمْ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ 47
Translations
Or that He would not seize them gradually [in a state of dread]? But indeed, your Lord is Kind and Merciful.
Transliteration
Aw ya'khuzuhum 'ala takhawwufin fa-inna rabbakum la-ra'ufun rahimun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents an alternative divine punishment: Allah may seize the disbelievers gradually (little by little) through diminishing their wealth, health, or circumstances, rather than through sudden destruction. The ayah concludes with reassurance that despite these warnings of punishment, the Lord is compassionate (Ra'uf) and merciful (Rahim), emphasizing Allah's patience and desire for repentance. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that 'takhawwuf' (gradual taking/seizing) refers to progressive punishment that serves as a warning and opportunity for people to return to faith before complete destruction comes.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan period within Surah An-Nahl, which addresses the polytheists of Mecca. The broader context (16:45-47) discusses various forms of divine punishment—some sudden and destructive, others gradual. This reflects the Quranic methodology of presenting multiple ways Allah may respond to rejection of His signs, giving people time to reflect and repent.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'When Allah intends good for His slave, He hastens his punishment in this world, and when He intends harm for him, He withholds punishment for his sins until he comes with his sins on the Day of Judgment.' This illustrates divine wisdom in how punishment is administered.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that Allah's punishments are not arbitrary but carefully calibrated—sometimes gradual to allow time for reflection and repentance—and reminds believers that beneath all divine warnings lies an inherent mercy and compassion. For modern readers, it encourages viewing life's difficulties as potential divine reminders rather than mere hardships, and to recognize that delays in consequences often reflect divine clemency rather than indifference.