Page 154
wa-li-kulli ʾummatin ʾajalun fa-ʾidhā jāʾa ʾajaluhum lā yastaʾkhirūna sāʿatan wa-lā yastaqdimūna
There is a [preordained] time for every nation: when their time comes, they shall not defer it by a single hour nor shall they advance it.
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah Al-‘A’raf, Verse 34
34. "And for every people there is (an appointed) term, so when their term comes they cannot put it back the least while nor can they advance it."
The 'appointed term' is not assigned only for individuals. There have been some communities, nations, and government that not only they themselves but also their civilizations, cultures works and social customs have been destroyed. It is not peculiar to only life and death to have 'an appointed time'. All glories, governments, properties, and the like of them, have also appointed terms. When the appointed term reaches, all supports, endeavors, and rivals are worthless to do anything in order to change its time, sooner of later.
However, this holy verse threatens the pagans of Quraysh to the chastisement which is with Allah. Their punishment will be sent down upon them in an appointed time, the same as it was sent down upon the former unjust nations.
Explanations
1. In the world of existence, there happens nothing, nor a changing, casually and outside of the control of Allah (S.w.T.). The laws governing over communities, similar to the laws governing over individuals, also practically exist.
2. The possibilities and powers that you have are perishable. Therefore utilize them in the best form as far as you can.
3. Be not proud of the world and its titles.
4. The transgressors should not count the respite of Allah as a sign of His grace upon them. Their term will come, too.
5. Always there comes a group in the scene of power to be tested and to pass away.
6. The strugglers of the path of Allah will not despair when the tyrannical persons overcome. They continue their effort, since tyrants are perishable.