When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) rejected this proposal of the Quraish as well, they replied, “Very well! Make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala to send some divine punishment upon us.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) responded, “It is the prerogative of Allah Ta‘ala to decide whether He will punish you or grant you respite.”