Al Ra‘d

وَلَقَدِ اسْتُهْزِئَ بِرُسُلٍ مِن قَبْلِكَ فَاَمْلَيْتُ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا ثُمَّ أَخَذْتُهُمْ فَكَيْفَ كَانَ عِقَابِ

32. “And messengers before you were certainly mocked at, but I gave respite to those who disbelieved, then I seized them (in My Wrath); then (see) how was My retribution?”

Addressing the Prophet (S), He proclaims in this verse that you are not the only one who is confronted various requests and proposals for explicit miracles by this pagan group and who is mocked and ridiculed by them. This matter has a long record in the history of the prophets and many of the prophets prior to you were also mocked and ridiculed. However, We did not punish those pagans immediately. On the contrary, we provided them with a second chance so as to enable them to wake up and return to the path of the truth or, at least, to be provided with a sufficient ultimatum. For, though they are vicious and guilty, there is still room for Allah’s favor, grace, and wisdom.

The verse says:

“And messengers before you were certainly mocked at, but I gave respite to those who disbelieved…”

Anyway, this opportunity and delay does not mean that their punishment is a forgotten affair. Therefore, We then captured them after the expiry of the date of their respite. And so did you note or witness as to how our punishment was? This fate will also be the destiny awaiting your obstinate nation as well. The verse continues saying:

“…then I seized them (in My Wrath); then (see) how was My retribution?”