Popular Translations
Muhammad Asad
Now were it not for a decree that has already gone forth from thy Sustainer, setting a term [for each sinner's repentance], it would inescapably follow [that all who sin must be doomed at once]
Arthur John Arberry
And but for a word that preceded from thy Lord, and a stated term, it had been fastened
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)
Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from thy Lord, (their punishment) must necessarily have come; but there is a Term appointed (for respite)
Arabic
وَلَوۡلَا كَلِمَةࣱ سَبَقَتۡ مِن رَّبِّكَ لَكَانَ لِزَامࣰا وَأَجَلࣱ مُّسَمࣰّى ١٢٩
Transliteration (2021)
walawlā kalimatun sabaqat min rabbika lakāna lizāman wa-ajalun musamma