Tafsir of Al-A'raf 7:99

{أفأمنوا مكر الله}

If you ask: Why did he return and use the fa (conjunction) to connect the statement: {Did they feel secure from the plan of Allah}?

I say: It is a reiteration of his statement: {Did the people of the cities feel secure} (Al-Aʿrāf: 97).

"The plan of Allah" (makr Allāh) is a metaphor for His seizing the servant from where he does not perceive, and for His drawing him on gradually (istidrāj). Therefore, a rational person must be in a state of fear regarding the plan of Allah, like a warrior who fears an ambush, a night attack, or a surprise assault from his enemy.

It is narrated from al-Rabīʿ ibn Khuthaym that his daughter said to him: "Why do I see people sleeping while I do not see you sleeping?" He replied: "O my daughter, your father fears the night attack (al-bayāt)." He meant the verse: {That Our punishment would come to them at night} (Al-Aʿrāf: 97).

{أولم يهد للذين يرثون الأرض من بعد أهلهآ أن لو نشآء أصبناهم بذنوبهم ونطبع على قلوبهم فهم لا يسمعون}