Surah Al-A'raf — Verse 135

Word Meanings:

• الرِّجْزَ (Ar-Rijz): The punishment, scourge, or affliction—here referring to the plagues that struck Pharaoh's people (such as locusts, lice, frogs, blood, and floods) as a consequence of their denial.
• إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ هُم بَالِغُوهُ (to a term they were to reach): A fixed, appointed time known to Allah—specifically, the moment of their destruction by drowning in the sea.
• يَنكُثُونَ (Yankuthoon): They break, violate, or betray their covenant and promises.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse unveils a profound truth about human nature when faced with hardship and divine mercy. When the plagues descended upon Pharaoh and his people as a consequence of their arrogance and rejection of Musa (Moses, peace be upon him), they cried out in desperation. Yet, whenever Allah—in His infinite mercy and wisdom—lifted the punishment from them, granting them respite until an appointed term that they were inevitably going to reach (the moment of their drowning), they immediately reverted to their old ways. They broke every promise they had made, violated every covenant they had sworn, and persisted in their disbelief and oppression.

The scene is striking: they would plead with Musa, saying, "If you remove this punishment from us, we will surely believe in you and let the Children of Israel go with you." But the moment the affliction was lifted, they turned their backs, tore up their words, and continued their tyranny—refusing to release the enslaved Israelites and clinging stubbornly to their false gods and corrupt ways.

This cycle repeated itself time and again: punishment would come, they would repent in fear, relief would follow, and they would relapse into rebellion. Their hearts were hardened, their consciences seared, and no amount of signs or miracles could soften their stubbornness. They were given chance after chance, but they squandered every opportunity, until the final decree arrived—the sea split, and their fate was sealed in the depths.

A Da'wah Reflection:

Dear reader, pause and reflect on this profound lesson. How often do we, as human beings, behave in a similar manner? When trials befall us—illness, loss, hardship—we turn to Allah with sincere supplication, promising to change our ways, to pray regularly, to give charity, to abandon our sins. But when the trial passes and ease returns, how many of us keep those promises? How many of us return to our old habits, forgetting the One who relieved our distress?

This verse is a mirror held up to our souls. It teaches us that true faith is not a fair-weather friend—it is a steadfast commitment that endures through ease and hardship alike. Allah, in His boundless mercy, gives us countless opportunities to repent and reform. He does not hasten punishment; He grants respite so that we may return to Him willingly, out of love and gratitude, not merely out of fear.

Let this be a call to sincerity: when you make a promise to your Lord, honor it. When you experience His mercy, let it transform you permanently, not temporarily. Do not be like those who remember Allah only in times of distress and forget Him in times of comfort. The believer's heart is constant—grateful in ease, patient in hardship, and always, always faithful to the covenant with Allah. For the One who lifts the affliction is the same One who deserves your unwavering devotion—not just in your moments of need, but in every breath of your life.