How can we reconcile the noble verse, "And when their time has come, they will not remain behind for an hour, nor will they precede [it]," with the fact that lifespans increase and decrease based on deeds?

There are hadiths indicating that some good deeds increase one's lifespan, such as maintaining kinship ties and honoring one's parents. This might seem to contradict the apparent meaning of Quranic verses, such as the Almighty’s saying: "So when their appointed time comes, they cannot remain behind an hour, nor can they precede [it]." The reconciliation between them can be achieved in one of two ways: 1. Spiritual increase: This refers to the blessing of one's life, being granted success in obedience, and making good use of time in what benefits one in the Hereafter, so that a good reputation remains as if the person had not died. 2. Tangible increase: This increase is relative to the knowledge of the angel entrusted with lifespan, where it is written for the angel that life may be prolonged due to good deeds. Meanwhile, the true, unchangeable appointed time is what is in the knowledge of Allah Almighty in the Preserved Tablet (Umm al-Kitab).

The first interpretation (spiritual increase) is more fitting and apparent in terms of the lasting impact for the person.