فَمَهِّلِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ أَمْهِلْهُمْ رُوَيْدًۢا 17
Translations
So allow time for the disbelievers. Leave them awhile.
Transliteration
Famahhil al-kafirin amlihum ruwaydā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah is a command from Allah to His Messenger to grant respite to the disbelievers, allowing them time before their punishment arrives. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as Allah's wisdom in giving disbelievers opportunity to repent, while simultaneously reassuring the Prophet that their eventual punishment is certain and inevitable. The word 'ruwaydā' (gradually, little by little) emphasizes the measured pace of divine justice, reflecting Allah's forbearance despite human ingratitude.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Tariq is a Meccan surah revealed during a period of intense persecution against the early Muslim community. This ayah appears near the conclusion of the surah and serves to console the Prophet Muhammad and believers by reminding them that though disbelievers are granted respite in this life, their ultimate accountability to Allah is assured. It contextualizes the theme of divine justice and patient endurance emphasized throughout the surah.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet said, 'When Allah intends good for a people, He expedites their punishment in this world, and when He intends ill for a people, He withholds their punishment until they meet Him on the Day of Judgment.' This illustrates the wisdom behind granting respite to disbelievers.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to trust in Allah's perfect timing and justice, understanding that apparent delay in punishing wrongdoing reflects divine wisdom rather than indifference. It encourages patience during trials and confidence that evil will ultimately face consequences, whether in this life or the hereafter.