وَمَا نُؤَخِّرُهُۥٓ إِلَّا لِأَجَلٍ مَّعْدُودٍ
Commentary:
اجل (term) which means both a period and the end of a period, is of two kinds: (a) that which can be averted and (b) that which cannot be averted. The "term" that can be averted moves within a known circle which it cannot overstep; within its circle, however, this "term" is liable to change according to circumstances. For instance, the age of a man has certain limits; it can decrease or increase within those limits; but it cannot go beyond them. But the "term" which cannot be averted concerns the destruction of the world. This term is fixed and irrevocable.
Ajal, meaning both a period and the end of a period, is of two kinds, (a) that which is revocable or cancellable, and (b) that which is not revoked or cancelled. The revocable "term" moves within a known circle within which it is liable to change according to circumstances. For instance, the age of a man has certain limits; it can decrease or increase within those limits. But the "term" which cannot be abrogated and is irrevocable concerns the destruction of a whole people.