Surah 16. An-Nahl, Ayah 1

Regarding this allusion to the incredulous inquiry of the unbelievers, see {6:57-58}, 8:32 and {10:50-51}, as well as the corresponding notes.

This is an answer to the taunt of the Pagans, who said; "If there is a god, the One True God, as you say, with unified control, why does He not punish the wrong-doers at once?" The answer is; "The decree of Allah will inevitably come to pass; it will come soon enough; when it comes, you will wish it were delayed; how foolish of you to wish even to cut off your last hope of forgiveness?"