Transliteration:( Wa likulli ummatin ajalun fa izaa jaaa'a ajaluhum laa yasta' khiroona saa'atanw wa laa yastaqdimoon )
"And for every nation there is a promise of a (fixed) term [73]. Then when their term comes, they cannot delay it for a moment, nor can they advance it [74]."
This refers to the divinely set term for either punishment or respite for every nation. Before that fixed time, they are not destroyed, no matter how sinful they become. For example, there was a time appointed for the destruction of the disbelievers of Makkah, and until that time arrived, they were not punished.
This verse highlights Divine ordinance and timing. However, in other verses, Allah’s power to alter destiny is also affirmed. Allah says: “And Allah establishes what He pleases, and the real writing is with Him.” (S13:V39)
From this we learn that, while every nation and individual has a fixed term, it can be extended or changed by Allah’s will—especially through duas or good deeds. For example:
Through Hazrat Adam’s (peace be upon him) dua, Hazrat Dawood’s (peace be upon him) life increased by forty years.
Through Satan’s own prayer, his lifespan was extended. Allah said: “You are among those who is given time.” (S15:V37)
If even the prayer of a reprobate like Satan could increase lifespan, then certainly the prayer or righteous deeds of the pious can both increase life and change unfavourable destinies—without contradicting this verse.
34. And every Ummah has its appointed term; when their term comes, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment). 35. O Children of Adam! If there come to you Messengers from among you, reciting to you My Ayat, then whosoever has Taqwa and becomes righteous, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve. 36. But those who reject Our Ayat and treat them with arrogance, they are the dwellers of the Fire, they will abide therein forever.) Allah said,
(And every Ummah has), meaning, each generation and nation,
(its appointed term; when their term comes) which they were destined for,
(neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment)). Allah then warned the Children of Adam that He sent to them Messengers who conveyed to them His Ayat. Allah also conveyed good news, as well as warning,
(then whosoever has Taqwa and becomes righteous) by abandoning the prohibitions and performing acts of obedience,
(on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve. But those who reject Our Ayat and treat them with arrogance,) meaning, their hearts denied the Ayat and they were too arrogant to abide by them,
(they are the dwellers of the Fire, they will abide therein forever.) without end to their dwelling in it.
(7:34) For every community there is an appointed term; and when its term arrives, they cannot tarry behind a moment, nor can they get ahead.[27]
27. The expression ‘fixed term’ used in the verse should not give rise to the misconception that the term of a nation expires on a definite day, month or year. What the statement really means is that God has laid down a minimum proportion between the good and evil deeds of a nation. As long as that nation is able to maintain that minimum proportion, its existence is tolerated in order that it might be able to show its performance. Once a nation crosses that minimum limit, it is denied any further respite. For further explication of this point see (Surah Nuh, ayat 4-10) (Surah Nuh, ayat 12).
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