فَأَمَّا ثَمُودُ فَأُهْلِكُوا۟ بِٱلطَّاغِيَةِ 5
Translations
So as for Thamūd, they were destroyed by the overpowering [blast].
Transliteration
Fa-amma thumudu fa-uhliku bi-al-taghiyah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the destruction of the people of Thamud, who were annihilated by a mighty blast or sound (al-sayhah). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret 'al-taghiyah' (the transgression/overwhelming blast) as the deafening cry or earthquake that destroyed them due to their rejection of the prophet Salih and their arrogance in defying Allah's signs. The ayah emphasizes that their destruction was a direct consequence of their transgression and rebellion against divine guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Haqqah (The Reality), a Meccan surah that discusses the Day of Judgment and past nations destroyed for their disbelief. The surah uses the destruction of 'Ad and Thamud as warnings to the Quraysh and all humanity about the consequences of rejecting Allah's messengers. The narrative follows the mention of 'Ad's destruction in the previous ayah, presenting a pattern of divine punishment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding Thamud: 'They hamstrung the she-camel and rebelled against the command of their Lord, so Allah destroyed them for their sin and made it equal for all of them' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, Surah Al-Fil references Allah's protection while this ayah shows His punishment of those who transgress.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that deliberate transgression and rejection of divine truth inevitably leads to destruction, regardless of worldly power or numbers. For believers, it serves as a reminder of Allah's justice and the importance of humility, obedience, and heeding the warnings of the messengers.