89:11-16

89:11-16

89:11 

(All) these transgressed beyond bounds in the lands,

89:12 

And heaped therein mischief (on mischief).

89:13 

Therefore, did thy Lord pour on them a scourge of diverse chastisements:

89:14 

For thy Lord is (as a Guardian) on a watchtower.

Even though Allah’s punishment is delayed, it is

not to be supposed that He does not see all things. Allah’s

providence is ever vigilant: His punishment of evil doers is a form of justice to the weak and the righteous whom

they oppress. It is part of the signification of His title as Rabb

(Cherisher). (R)

89:15 

Now, as for man, when his Lord trieth him, giving him honour and gifts, then saith he, (puffed up),

“My Lord hath honoured me.”

89:16

But when He trieth him, restricting his subsistence for him, then saith he (in despair), “My Lordhath

humiliated me!”

Contrast with Allah’s justice and watchful care, man’s selfishness and pettiness. Allah tries us both by prosperity and adversity: in the one we should show humility and kindness, and in the other patience and faith. On the contrary, we get puffed up in prosperity and depressed in adversity, putting false values on this world’s goods.

References:

Yusuf Ali, Abdullah. Translation and Commentary of the Quran. (surah 89 verse 16)