And if not for a word that preceded from your Lord, punishment would have been an obligation [due immediately], and [if not for] a specified term [decreed].
English Transliteration
Walawla kalimatun sabaqat min rabbika lakana lizaman waajalun musamman
Tafsir of Verse 129
And but for a word that preceded from thy Lord, and a stated term, it had been fastened.
Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from thy Lord, (their punishment) must necessarily have come; but there is a Term appointed (for respite).