فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ ٱلصَّيْحَةُ مُشْرِقِينَ 73
Translations
So the shriek seized them at sunrise.
Transliteration
Fa-akhdhathumu as-sayhatu mushriqqin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how the people of Lot were seized by a deafening blast (as-sayhah) while they were at sunrise, referring to the divine punishment that destroyed them. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this was the terrible cry or sound of the angel Gabriel that annihilated the transgressors of Lot's people for their rejection of truth and persistence in abomination. The timing at sunrise emphasizes the sudden and inescapable nature of Allah's punishment upon those who reject His signs.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Hijr's broader narrative about the fate of the people of Lot (Qawm Lut), who rejected the message brought by Prophet Lot and persisted in their immoral practices. The surah recounts various destroyed nations as warnings to the Meccan disbelievers, establishing a pattern of divine retribution against those who deny the prophets.
Related Hadiths
The concept of as-sayhah (the blast) is referenced in Surah Al-'Ankabut 29:40 where Allah states He destroyed those people with as-sayhah. While no single hadith directly explains this specific ayah, the general principle of swift punishment is supported by various hadiths on the consequences of denying prophets.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that persistent rejection of divine guidance and moral transgression leads to inevitable punishment, and that Allah's retribution can come suddenly when least expected. It serves as a solemn warning for believers to heed the messages of the prophets and maintain moral rectitude.