۞ وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا قَبْلَهُمْ قَوْمَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَجَآءَهُمْ رَسُولٌ كَرِيمٌ 17
Translations
And We had already tried before them the people of Pharaoh, and there came to them a noble messenger [i.e., Moses],
Transliteration
Wa-laqad fatannā qablahum qawma fir'awn wa-jā'ahum rasūlun karīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to how Allah tested the people of Pharaoh before the addressees (the Quraysh), and He sent them a noble messenger—referring to Prophet Musa (Moses). Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that this is presented as a historical precedent and warning: just as Pharaoh's people rejected their messenger despite clear signs, the Quraysh should fear a similar fate if they reject Prophet Muhammad. The emphasis on the messenger being 'karīm' (noble/generous) highlights the honor and virtue of the prophets sent by Allah.
Revelation Context
Surah Ad-Dukhan is Meccan and addresses the obstinacy of the Quraysh in rejecting the message of Prophet Muhammad. This ayah is part of a broader argument drawing parallels between past peoples who rejected their messengers and the present rejection by the Quraysh, serving as a warning of the consequences of disbelief. The surah develops this theme by presenting examples of past nations destroyed for their rejection.
Related Hadiths
The story of Musa and Pharaoh's people is extensively referenced in the Qur'an itself (e.g., Surah Al-A'raf 7:103-136, Surah Taha 20:9-76). A thematically related hadith from Sahih Bukhari describes the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioning the trials (fitnah) of this ummah and how the trials of past nations serve as lessons.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that rejection of divine guidance has always preceded punishment, and we should heed the lessons of history rather than repeating the mistakes of past peoples. The nobility and virtue of messengers should inspire respect and receptiveness to their message in our own hearts.