Yunus (Jonas)

49. “Say: ‘I do not possess any harm or profit for myself except as Allah wills. To every people is a term appointed. When their term comes, then they shall neither put (it) off an hour, nor hasten (it).’”

Facing this question, Allah orders His Prophet to provide them with an answer in several ways. The first step is that he should tell them that the timing for such a thing is not at his disposal. He is not the author or proprietor of any profit or loss for himself (much less for them) except those ordained or predetermined by Him.

The verse says:

“Say: ‘I do not possess any harm or profit for myself except as Allah wills...”

Muhammad (S) should announce that he is His sole and only Messenger and Prophet. It is He who fixes the timing of the punishment which is within His power.

The above sentence alludes to the unity of actions which pre-supposes that all and every thing in this world eventually returns to Him, and when deviators are being punished with His justice, it is He Who sets the course of action.

Obviously, this does not contradict the stipulation that Allah has bestowed upon us powers and abilities by which we are entitled to partly gain or lose and to be able to make decisions regarding our own destiny.

Then, the Qur’an, referring to another issue, declares that each community and every tribe has a predetermined time of death and a point of its termination, which, when it comes, there will be no delay or advancement in its occurrence.

The verse continues saying:

“…To every people is a term appointed. When their term comes, then they shall neither put (it) off an hour, nor hasten (it).’”

In fact, the Qur’an warns the polytheists not to hasten and jump unduly to conclusions. When the timing of their death comes no delays or advances will happen.