(Mankind) in the time of Abraham, and it is said in the time of Noah (were but one community) following one religion: the religion of disbelief, and so Allah sent prophets as warners and bringers of glad tidings; (then they differed) two parties emerged: believers and disbelievers; (and had it not been for a word) to delay the punishment of this nation (that had already gone forth from thy Lord) that had already been enjoined by your Lord (it had been judged between them) they would have been destroyed (about that) about religion (wherein they differ) they opposed.