Tafsir of Al-Qalam 68:45

And I will grant them a respite. Verily, My plan is strong. meaning, `I will delay them, give them respite and extend their time. Yet, this is My plan, and My plot against them.' Thus, Allah says,

إن كيدي متين

(Verily, My plan is strong). meaning, `great against whoever opposes My command, rejects My Messengers and dares to disobey Me.' In the Two Sahihs it is recorded from the Messenger of Allah that he said,

إن الله تعالى ليملي للظالم حتى إذا أخذه لم يفلته

Verily Allah the Exalted gives respite to the wrongdoer until He seizes him and he will not be able to escape Him. Then he recited,

وكذلك أخذ ربك إذا أخذ القرى وهى ظلمة إن أخذه أليم شديد

Such is the punishment of your Lord when He seizes the towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His punishment is painful (and) severe. (11:102) In reference to Allah's statement,

أم تسٲلهم أجرا فهم من مغرم مثقلون