As-Sajdah 32:29 - Linguistic Miracle

Say: On the Day of victory their faith shall not profit the disbelievers, nor shall they be respited.

It was not a genuine question they brought up. Firstly, they did it mockingly. Secondly, they asked for it after rejecting clear signs presented to them. Hence, Allah

gave them an answer that befits them. Mock now, reject My signs all you want, you will wish to go back in time on the day I give Muslims victory over you.

nor shall they be respited - this goes back to verse 12 where they said on judgment day: فَٱرْجِعْنَا نَعْمَلْ صَٰلِحًا إِنَّا مُوقِنُونَ

So, return us to act righteously, for we have become certain Just as you will wish to be returned back and given respite on judgment Day when you meet Me, you will desire to be given respite on the day of victory - on the day of Badr or the conquest of Makkah, but I have already told you what will happen. Just as I did not give you respite on judgment day, so will I not give you respite on the day of victory.

You will meet your end then and there. It is interesting that the word ( نظر translated as respite) at its root actually means to look intently with anticipation. Sometimes, a person expresses his wishes by means of his eyes. Like when someone makes a wish that he deeply desires, his eyes express his anticipation and desire for his wish with him. You will look longingly with pitiful eyes to be returned back.

In verse 12, the disbelievers denied what the Qurʾān promises regarding judgment day and only became certain of Allah’s promises after they actually saw them with their own eyes. In verse 28, the disbelievers denied the signs of the destroyed generations and the dead earth coming to life, hence, they will only become certain of Allah’s promise when they actually see the victory promised by Allah. Just as they wished to be given respite and returned back in time on judgment day, they will wish to be returned back and given respite on the day of victory, but just as bringing faith on Judgment Day did not bring them benefit, so will it not benefit them on the day of victory. Just as Allah did not give them respite on judgment day, He will not do it on the victory day either.