If it had not been for him the punishment would indeed have immediately fallen upon the Meccans, because Allah says, "And why should Allah not punish them" (8:34).
Haddii jirin isaga Cadaab lahayn si deg deg ah u dhacday lahaa korkiisa Makaad, maxaa yeelay Eebe wuxuu yidhi, "Oo waxaa Muxuusanse Eebe u Cadaabayn" (8:34).