(41) “Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what people’s hands have earned, so that He may make them taste some of the consequences of their deeds, that perhaps they may return.”

That is, corruption has become manifest on land and sea: people’s livelihoods have deteriorated and diminished, afflictions have befallen them, and they themselves have been struck by diseases, epidemics, and other calamities. This is because of the corrupt deeds their hands have sent forth—deeds that are inherently corrupting.

These things just mentioned occur “so that He may make them taste some of the consequences of their deeds”; that is, so they may know that He is the One who recompenses deeds. He therefore hastened for them in this world a foretaste of the recompense for their deeds, “that perhaps they may return” from the deeds that brought such corruption upon them. Their circumstances would then improve and their affairs be set right. Glory be to the One who bestows blessings through His affliction and gracious favor through His punishment! Otherwise, if He made them taste the full consequences of everything they had earned, He would not leave a single living creature upon the earth.