Surah Al-Anfaal
Chapter 8 · Verse 38 · Revealed in Madinah
“Say to those who have disbelieved [that] if they cease, what has previously occurred will be forgiven for them. But if they return [to hostility] - then the precedent of the former [rebellious] peoples has already taken place.”
Translation: Saheeh International
Listen to recitation
Mishary Rashid Alafasy
Reflection — Ibn Kathir
Encouraging the Disbelievers to seek Allah's Forgiveness, warning Them against Disbelief
Allah commands His Prophet Muhammad ,
قُل لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ إِن يَنتَهُواْ
Reflection — Maarif ul Quran
Appearing once again in verse 38, there is a patronizing address to disbelievers - which carries the elements of persuasion and warning both. The part of persuasion is that should they repent from their shocking deeds even then, and come forward to believe, then, all their past sins shall be forgiven. If they failed to desist even then, the warning part tells them that they better understand that Allah Ta` ala would not have to think about making some new law for them. The law is already there. It has been in force in the case of disbelievers of earlier times. The same law would come into force against them too - that they were destroyed in the present world and became deserving of the punishment of the Hereafter.
What does this verse bring up for you today?