وَأَمْطَرْنَا عَلَيْهِم مَّطَرًا ۖ فَٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ 84
Translations
And We rained upon them a rain [of stones]. Then see how was the end of the criminals.
Transliteration
Wa amtarna 'alayhim mataran, fanzur kayfa kana 'aqibatu al-mujrimin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Allah's punishment upon the people of Lot (Lut) through a rain of stones or baked clay, as mentioned in several places in the Quran. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that this was a unique form of divine punishment specific to those who rejected Lot's message and persisted in their immoral practices. The ayah directs the reader to observe and reflect upon how the evildoers met their ultimate destruction, serving as a powerful reminder of Allah's justice and the consequences of defying His messengers.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the Meccan surah Al-A'raf, which recounts stories of various nations and their responses to prophetic messages. The context here specifically addresses the people of Lot, who were destroyed for their rejection of monotheism and their practice of indecency. This narrative is presented to the Quraysh as a historical precedent of divine punishment for those who reject Allah's signs.
Related Hadiths
The story of Lot's people is referenced in multiple hadiths regarding the consequences of sin. One relevant hadith from Sunan Ibn Majah and others condemns the actions of Lot's people as among the gravest sins, emphasizing the severity of their transgression and the justness of their punishment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that persistent rejection of divine guidance and moral corruption inevitably lead to destruction, regardless of how powerful or numerous a people may be. Believers are encouraged to reflect upon the historical consequences of sin and injustice, using these accounts as warnings to maintain righteousness and obedience to Allah's commands.