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wa-yā-qawmi ʿmalū ʿalā makānatikum ʾinnī ʿāmilun sawfa taʿlamūna man yaʾtīhi ʿadhābun yukhzīhi wa-man huwa kādhibun wa-rtaqibū ʾinnī maʿakum raqībun
O my people! Act according to your ability; I too am acting. Soon you will know who will be overtaken by a punishment that will disgrace him, and who is a liar. So be on the watch; I too will be watching along with you.’
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah Hud – Verse 93
93. “And O my people! Act according to your ability. I will do (my part). Soon you will know on whom comes the Penalty disgracing him, and who it is a liar. And watch you; Verily I (too) am watching with you.”
As the disbelievers of the people of Shu‘ayb threatened to stone him to death while giving him their last words, Shu‘ayb, declaring his stand in the face of these threats did not flinch from the threat and issued a challenge to them, instead he said that they would do whatever they could, and might not spare anything. He should do what is in his power as well. The verse says:
“And O my people! Act according to your ability. I will do (my part)...”
However, you will soon realize who will be the one suffering a humiliating punishment, and who is a liar. So, wait and see and I will do the same. The verse continues saying:
“…Soon you will know on whom comes the Penalty disgracing him, and who it is a liar...”
You try to win me over with your power, numbers, wealth, and your influence and I shall also wait and see how the Divine punishment will soon entangle you and your misguided population, exterminating you from the face of the earth. The verse says:
“…And watch you; Verily I (too) am watching with you.”