Surah 16. An-Nahl, Ayah 61

Or: "known [only to Him]" - i.e., the period of their lives on earth, during which they may reflect and repent.

For my rendering of sa'ah as "a single moment", see surah {7}, note [26].

Allah's decree works without fail. If He were to punish for every wrong or shortcoming, not a single living creature on earth would escape punishment. But in His infinite mercy and forgiveness, He gives respite: He provides time for repentance. If the repentance is forthcoming. Allah's Mercy is forthcoming without fail, if not, the punishment comes inevitably on the expiry of the Term. The sinner cannot anticipate it by an insolent challenge, nor can he delay it when the time arrives. Let him not think that the respite given him may mean that he can do what he likes, and that he can escape scot-free from the consequences.