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messengers (rusul) were certainly mocked before you, in the same way that you have been mocked - this is meant as solace for the Prophet "sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam" - but I gave respite to those who disbelieved; then I seized them, with retribution, and how was My retribution?, that is to say, it [My retribution] will come to pass; and I shall deal with those who have mocked you in the same way.