﴿ وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَخْذُ رَبِّكَ إِذَآ أَخَذَ ٱلْقُرَىٰ وَهِىَ ظَٰلِمَةٌ ۚ إِنَّ أَخْذَهُۥٓ أَلِيمٌۭ شَدِيدٌ ﴾

“And such is thy Sustainer's punishing grasp whenever He takes to task any community that is given to evildoing: verily, His punishing grasp is grievous, severe!”

(Even thus is the grasp of your Lord) the chastisement of your Lord (when He graspeth the townships) when He chastises the people of these townships (while they are doing wrong) when they are disbelievers and idolaters. (Lo! His grasp) His chastisement (is painful, very strong).