Plotting

Remember when the disbelievers plotted against you, to imprison, kill, or expel you. They plotted, but Allah also plotted

8:30And when those who disbelieve plot against thee (O Muhammad) to wound thee fatally, or to kill thee or to drive thee forth; they plot, but Allah (also) plotteth; and Allah is the best of plotters.

When Our verses are recited to them, they say, “We have heard this before. If we wanted, we could say something similar. These are just ancient tales.”

8:31And when Our revelations are recited unto them they say: We have heard. If we wish we can speak the like of this. Lo! this is naught but fables of the men of old.

They say, “O Allah, if this is truly from You, then rain down stones upon us or bring us a painful punishment.”

8:32And when they said: O Allah! If this be indeed the truth from Thee, then rain down stones on us or bring on us some painful doom!

But Allah would not punish them while you were among them, nor would He punish them while they sought forgiveness.

8:33But Allah would not punish them while thou wast with them, nor will He punish them while they seek forgiveness.

Yet what prevents Him from punishing them now? They hinder others from the Sacred Mosque, though they are not its rightful guardians. Its true guardians are the righteous, but most of them do not know.

8:34What (plea) have they that Allah should not punish them, when they debar (His servants) from the Inviolable Place of Worship, though they are not its fitting guardians. Its fitting guardians are those only who keep their duty to Allah. But most of them know not.