Al-Anfaal (The Spoils of War)

33. “But Allah is not to punish them while you are among them, nor is Allah to chastise them while they seek forgiveness.”

The purpose of negation of punishment is removing the general punishment from Muslims because of the existence of the Prophet (S) among them, as former nations were punished; else, in some particular cases, some persons may encounter the Divine punishments.

Some Islamic traditions denote that because of the existence of some purified persons and godly scholars or for the sake of those who seek forgiveness and really repent, Allah (s.w.t) removes His punishment from people among whom they live. The verse says:

“But Allah is not to punish them while you are among them, nor is Allah to chastise them while they seek forgiveness.” In this regard, the existence of the Prophet (S) is a safety for the population of the earth: “...while you are among them...”; and, also, seeking forgiveness hinders calamities, as the above mentioned verse says: “...while they seek forgiveness.”

It is cited in Nahjul-Balagha that after the departure of the Prophet (S) Hazrat Ali (as) said:

“There were two sources of deliverance from Allah's punishment, one of which has been raised up, while the other is before you. You should therefore adhere to it...” (which is seeking forgiveness).1

In the supplication of Kumayl, there is a clause that points to the sins which cause afflictions to come down. It is recited as follows:

“O Allah! forgive me the sins which bring about tribulation.”

Surah Hud,No. 11 , verse117 says:

“And it did not beseen your Lord to have destroyed the towns tyrannously, while their people acted well.”