were god to punish people for their deeds immediately not one creature would have survived on earth. however he has given them a respite for an appointed time and when their term comes to an end let it be known that god watches over his servants.
ولو يؤاخذ الله الناس بما كسبوا ما ترك على ظهرها من دابة ولكن يؤخرهم إلى أجل مسمى فإذا جاء أجلهم فإن الله كان بعباده بصيرا