And already were [other] messengers ridiculed before you, and I extended the time of those who disbelieved; then I seized them, and how [terrible] was My penalty.
وَلَقَدِ اسْتُهْزِىءَ بِرُسُلٍ مِّن قَبْلِكَ
 `(And indeed (many) Messengers were mocked at before you), so you have a good example in them, Â
فَأَمْلَيْتُ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ
 (but I granted respite to those who disbelieved,) deferred their judgment for a term appointed, Â
ثُمَّ أَخَذْتُهُمْ
 (and finally I punished them.) with encompassing punishment. How did you obtain the news of how I gave them respite and then took them with punishment' Allah said in another Ayah, Â
 (And many a township did I give respite while it was given to wrongdoing. Then (in the end) I seized it (with punishment). And to Me is the (final) return (of all).)ï´¿22:48ï´¾ It is recorded in the Two Sahihs that the Prophet said, Â
 (Such is the punishment of your Lord when He seizes the (population of) towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His punishment is painful, (and) severe.)ï´¿11:102ï´¾ Â
