أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِعَادٍ 6
Translations
Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with ʿAad -
Transliteration
Alam tara kayfa fa'ala rabbuka bi'aad
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah opens a rhetorical question addressing the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the believers, asking them to reflect upon how Allah dealt with the people of 'Ad, who were destroyed for their disbelief and arrogance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that this question is meant to provoke contemplation about Allah's justice and the inevitable consequences that befall those who reject His signs. The ayah serves as a powerful reminder of divine punishment for those who persist in kufr (disbelief) despite receiving clear warnings through their messengers.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Fajr, a Meccan surah that emphasizes themes of divine justice, accountability, and the fate of past nations who rejected Allah's messengers. The surah specifically recounts stories of destroyed civilizations ('Ad, Thamud, and Pharaoh) to warn the Quraysh of Mecca about their similar rejection of Prophet Muhammad. The broader context warns listeners to heed warnings lest they face similar destruction.
Related Hadiths
The theme of 'Ad's destruction is referenced in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against heedlessness, stating that those who ignore divine signs face ruin. Additionally, in Sunan Ibn Majah, there is mention of the Prophet describing 'Ad as 'the people of 'Ad who were destroyed by a furious wind' as a warning to the believers.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that rejection of truth and divine guidance inevitably leads to destruction, regardless of worldly power or prosperity. Believers should reflect upon historical precedents and recognize that heeding the message of the prophets is essential for salvation, as nations that turned away faced complete annihilation.