Most of us must have heard the idiom "Power corrupts" which in fact is a shortened form of the famous quote by the British historian Lord Acton (1887): "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
The idiom means that when people gain power — whether political, financial, social, or religious — they are often tempted to misuse it for selfish purposes. The more power a person has, the greater the temptation to act unjustly, ignore rules, and put personal interests above moral principles.
Why this happens
- Ego and self-importance – Power can make someone believe they’re above others and the law.
- Lack of accountability – The more control someone has, the fewer checks exist on their actions.
- Moral numbness – Constant authority can reduce empathy for those with less power.
- Greed and entitlement – Having power often breeds the belief that one deserves more privileges.
- Isolation from reality – Leaders surrounded by loyal followers may lose touch with the truth.
If we look back in the history, the powerful, the arrogant and men of authority and wealth have always suppressed the weak and meek. This was also the case when Godly prophets and messengers brought the Divine Scriptures to them and told to live a life of humility and honesty rather than of arrogance and wielding power, for Allah does not like such people. And quite obviously, the power and wealthy mocked prophets of Allah and laughed at them for their faith which promises reward in a life after one dies.
Same was the case when Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم introduced Islam to the rich and wealthy pagans of Makkah, the powerful ruling tribes. They even tried to seduce the Messenger of Allah by offering him wealth, position and beautiful women to derail him from spreading the word of Allah.
And like always, it was always the poor who understood the truth in the Godly words that spoke of deliverance from the yoke of their masters. And it was under such circumstances, ayat / verses from Qur'an warned them for extension of time while they were still in error and mislead.
With this premise in view, we share the Surah Maryam, verse 75 which says:
قُلْ مَن كَانَ فِي الضَّلَالَةِ فَلْيَمْدُدْ لَهُ الرَّحْمَـٰنُ مَدًّا ۚ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا رَأَوْا مَا يُوعَدُونَ إِمَّا الْعَذَابَ وَإِمَّا السَّاعَةَ فَسَيَعْلَمُونَ مَنْ هُوَ شَرٌّ مَّكَانًا وَأَضْعَفُ جُندًا
Say, "Whoever is in error — the Most Merciful will extend for him an extension [of time] — until, when they see that which they were promised, either the punishment [in this world] or the Hour, they will come to know who is worst in position and weakest in soldiers." (19:75)
This is not the only warning in the Qur'an. Herein under are ayat / verses from other Surahs warning man time and again to mend his ways lest wrath fo Allah befalls on them not only this world, but also in the life of the Hereafter:
- 3:178 Disbelievers should not think that Our granting them respite is good for them; it is only to increase them in sin, then they will have a humiliating punishment.
- 6:44 When they forgot the warning, We opened for them the gates of everything (worldly enjoyment), until when they rejoiced in what they were given, We seized them suddenly.
- 7:182–183 Those who deny the truth — We will gradually lead them to destruction from where they do not know; We grant them respite, but Our plan is firm.
- 10:11 If Allah were to hasten for people the evil (they deserve) as they wish for good, their time would be decreed; but He leaves those who expect to meet Us in their transgression.
- 13:33–34 Those who plot evil are given respite, but Allah's punishment cannot be avoided.
- 14:30 They set up equals to Allah to mislead from His path — say, "Enjoy yourselves, for your destination is the Fire."
- 16:55 They enjoy what We provide, then they will know (the consequence).
- 23:54–55 Leave them in their ignorance for a time; do they think that wealth and children are given as a sign of good for them? No, but they do not perceive.
- 43:33–35 If not for fear of all people becoming one (in disbelief), We would have made for those who disbelieve roofs of silver and stairways, as a test.
Context of the verse 19:75 shared above
Allah's warning is that every evil deed must have its punishment, and that there will be a Hereafter, the Day of Judgment, or the Hour, as it is frequently called. The punishment of evil often begins in this very life. For instance, over-indulgence and excesses of all kinds bring on their Nemesis quite soon in this very life. But some subtler forms of selfishness and sin will be punished as every evil will be punished-in its own good time, as the Hour approaches. In either case, the arrogant boasting sinners will realize that their taunt-who is best in position and in forces? (xix. 73)-is turned against themselves.
This verse is part of a discussion where the disbelievers in Makkah mocked the Prophet ﷺ and the believers, boasting about their wealth, status, and worldly power (see verses 73–74). They implied that their worldly success was proof that they were on the right path. Allah responds by reminding the Prophet ﷺ that:
- Being given more time and more blessings in this world does not mean Allah approves of someone.
- Sometimes, Allah grants the misguided more rope — not as a reward, but as a test — until their appointed time comes.
- The truth of who is truly successful will only be clear when punishment arrives — either in this life (e.g., disasters, defeat, humiliation) or on the Day of Judgment.
Key Lessons
- Worldly success is not proof of being right: The Quraysh thought wealth and social influence meant Allah favored them. In reality, material abundance can be a test, and it can also be a way Allah allows a person to sink deeper in arrogance before the final reckoning (cf. 3:178).
- Delaying punishment is part of Allah’s wisdom: Allah may allow a person or nation to continue in wrongdoing for a time. This is not neglect — it is a form of divine postponement (istidrāj), where continued blessings serve to expose their ingratitude.
- Reality becomes clear at the moment of truth: When the promised punishment or the Hour arrives, illusions break. On that day, worldly power and numbers will mean nothing; the only measure will be righteousness.
- Patience in the face of arrogance: For believers, the verse is a reminder to remain patient when wrongdoers seem to prosper. The end result is what matters, not the temporary scoreboard of worldly life.
Present-Day Relevance
- For Individuals: People today often equate financial success, popularity, or influence with moral correctness. This verse warns against assuming that material gain means divine approval.
- For Nations: A powerful country that oppresses others may appear invincible, but its apparent security may be part of the “extension” Allah gives before judgment.
- For the Believer’s Mindset: We should not envy the corrupt for their comfort nor feel inferior because of worldly disadvantages. The final outcome belongs to those on truth.
Please visit our reference page: Sūrah 19. Maryam مريم (Mary) for selected verses from Sūrah Maryam.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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