فَـَٔامَنُوا۟ فَمَتَّعْنَـٰهُمْ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ 148
Translations
And they believed, so We gave them enjoyment [of life] for a time.
Transliteration
Fa-āmanū fa-mattaʿnāhum ilā ḥīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the people of Jonah (Yunus) who believed in his message, and Allah granted them respite and enjoyment of life for a appointed time. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that this was a special mercy upon them—unlike other nations who rejected their prophets and were destroyed, the people of Nineveh were spared and allowed to live out their lifespans. The phrase 'to an appointed time' (ilā ḥīn) indicates that while they were granted reprieve and worldly comfort, all life ultimately has a predetermined end according to Allah's decree.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah As-Saffat's discussion of various prophets and their peoples. Specifically, it follows the account of Prophet Jonah (Yunus) and the people of Nineveh. When Jonah preached to them and they believed, Allah accepted their repentance—a unique case in Quranic narrative where an entire nation repented before divine punishment. This surah emphasizes divine justice and mercy in dealing with different communities.
Related Hadiths
The general theme relates to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ﷺ) said that when a people repent sincerely, Allah accepts their repentance. Additionally, Surah Yunus (10:98) directly addresses this same incident: 'So why was there not a city that believed so that their faith would have benefited them except the people of Jonah?'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that sincere repentance and belief can turn away divine punishment, and that Allah's mercy encompasses those who return to Him truthfully. It reminds believers that worldly provision and comfort are temporary blessings granted by Allah's will, and should inspire gratitude and continued righteousness throughout one's appointed lifespan.