"And indeed We will make them taste of the Penalty of this (life) prior to the supreme Penalty, in order that they may (repent and) return." (as-Sajda, 32/21) Will you explain the verse above?

Dear Brother / Sister,

"And indeed We will make them taste of the Penalty of this (life) prior to the supreme Penalty, in order that they may (repent and) return." (as-Sajda, 32/21)

The phrase "adhab al-adna" mentioned in the verse is penalty in this world and "adhab al-akbar" is penalty in the hereafter.

Since it is stated that those who indulge in the sin of denial would definitely be made taste the penalty of this life and that this aimed to give them an opportunity to return from the wrong way they follow, it can be said that what is meant by that expression is those people’s being exposed to material and spiritual problems and depressions that will enable them to do heart-searching in this world. This meaning is supported in the verse that follows since it is stated there that a person who insists on his bigoted attitude though he has been given such opportunities will have reached the peak in injustice and that he will definitely have deserved punishment.  (see Diyanet Tefsiri, Kur’an Yolu, the interpretation of the verse in question)

Divine mercy being manifest in favor of man and His endless grace exist in such warnings. As the saying goes, «A good scare is worth more to a man than good advice.»

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