Transliteration:( Wa laa yahsabannal lazeena kafarooo annamaa numlee lahum khairulli anfusihim; innamaa numlee lahum liyazdaadooo ismaa wa lahum 'azaabum muheen )
“And never let the infidels ever think that (because) We extend their time (of enjoyment) it is better for them. Certainly, We grant them respite only because they may increase [401] in sin. And for them is a degrading torment [402].”
This verse corrects the false assumption that a long and prosperous life is always a sign of divine favor. In reality:
A long life is only a blessing if spent in righteousness.
If misused, it becomes a curse, as the disbeliever only increases in sin and earns a greater punishment.
Thus, the long life of a believer is a bounty, because it allows him to accumulate more good deeds. But for the disbeliever, it is a form of divine punishment, as it leads him further away from Allah.
A subtle lesson also emerges:
If apostasy or sin can result in prolonged life and material gain, then good deeds are even more deserving of bringing barakah (blessing) in one’s life and wealth.
Even Shaitaan was granted a long life—not as a reward, but so he could serve a role in misleading others, ultimately leading to his greater ruin.
This verse teaches that the punishment for disbelievers is not just physical, but also filled with disgrace and humiliation.
On the Day of Judgement, disbelievers will be publicly dishonored, while sinful Muslims, by the mercy of Allah, will be shielded from disgrace. Allah may even deal with their sins privately, maintaining their dignity.
This distinction shows the special mercy reserved for believers, even those who fell into sin, compared to the complete humiliation awaiting disbelievers.
The tafsir of Surah Imran verse 178 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Imran ayat 176 which provides the complete commentary from verse 176 through 180.
(3:178) Do not let the, unbelievers imagine that the respite We give them is good for them. We give them respite so that they may grow in wickedness. A humiliating chastisement lies in store for them.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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