or take them to task through slow decay? And yet, behold, your Sustainer is most compassionate, a dispenser of grace!

Or that He may not call them to account by a process of slow wastage - for thy Lord is indeed full of kindness and mercy.

Or that He will not seize them with a gradual wasting? Lo! thy Lord is indeed Full of Pity, Merciful.

Or that He will not seize them with a gradual diminution? Your Lord is surely Compassionate, Merciful.

Or that He would not seize them gradually [in a state of dread]? But indeed, your Lord is Kind and Merciful.