وَأُمْلِى لَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ كَيْدِى مَتِينٌ 45
Translations
And I will give them time. Indeed, My plan is firm.
Transliteration
Wa-umlī lahum, inna kaydī matīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah states that He grants respite and extends provision to the disbelievers, allowing them time to persist in their rejection, while His plan and punishment are absolutely firm and unbreakable. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this ayah emphasizes that Allah's patience with evildoers is not weakness but part of His perfect wisdom, and His ultimate plan for their accountability is mighty and inescapable. The apparent delay in punishment should not be mistaken for forgiveness, as Allah's strategy (kayd) to bring about justice is unshakeable.
Revelation Context
This ayah concludes Surah Al-Qalam, which addresses the Meccan polytheists who rejected the Qur'an and mocked the Prophet Muhammad. The surah's broader context deals with the disbelievers' denial and their false accusations against the Prophet, and this final ayah reassures believers that despite the apparent worldly success and patience Allah grants the disbelievers, His ultimate plan and punishment are certain and firm.
Related Hadiths
The theme relates to hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet said: 'The greatest revenge is the revenge of Allah,' emphasizing that Allah's scheme against wrongdoers, though delayed, is most severe. Additionally, Sunan Ibn Majah records traditions about how Allah gives respite to the oppressor until the right moment of punishment comes.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should not be deceived by the temporary prosperity and respite granted to wrongdoers, nor lose faith in divine justice—Allah's plan is unshakeable and His accountability is certain. This ayah teaches trust in Allah's wisdom even when evil seems to flourish temporarily, and reminds us that true strength lies in Allah's eternal justice, not in worldly appearances.