فَٱنتَقَمْنَا مِنْهُمْ وَإِنَّهُمَا لَبِإِمَامٍ مُّبِينٍ 79
Translations
So We took retribution from them, and indeed, both [cities] are on a clear highway.
Transliteration
Faintaqamnā minhum wa-innahumā la-bi-imāmin mubīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah took vengeance upon the people of Lot (the inhabitants of Sodom) for their transgression and rejection of His message, and indeed both the path of guidance and the path of destruction were made clear to them. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this ayah affirms that Allah's punishment was just because the signs and warnings were unmistakably evident to them. The phrase 'wa-innahumā la-bi-imāmin mubīn' (and indeed both are in a clear path) refers to both the right path shown by Prophet Lot and the destructive path they chose, making their choice and subsequent punishment entirely deserved.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Al-Hijr's discussion of various destroyed nations who rejected their prophets. The context specifically addresses the people of Lot (Qawm Lut) and comes after the mention of the Companions of the Rocky Tract (Ashab al-Hijr). The surah emphasizes divine justice in punishing those who reject clear signs, a recurring Meccan theme addressing the Quraysh's rejection of Muhammad's message.
Related Hadiths
Sunan Ibn Majah and Tirmidhi report that the Prophet ﷺ mentioned the destruction of the people of Lot as an example of Allah's punishment for those who persist in grave sins despite clear warnings. The hadith in Sunan Abu Dawud emphasizes that Allah's punishment comes only after clear transmission of the message.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that Allah's punishment is always preceded by clear guidance and unmistakable signs, ensuring that His justice is beyond reproach—a reminder for believers that ignorance cannot be an excuse when truth is made manifest, and that we remain accountable for rejecting clear moral guidance.
Related Ayahs
أَفَمَن يَتَّقِى بِوَجْهِهِۦ سُوٓءَ ٱلْعَذَابِ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ ۚ وَقِيلَ لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ ذُوقُوا۟ مَا كُنتُمْ تَكْسِبُونَ
Then is he who will shield with his face the worst of the punishment on the Day of Resurrection [like one secure from it]? And it will be said to the wrongdoers, "Taste what you used to earn."
وَيَوْمَ نَحْشُرُهُمْ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ نَقُولُ لِلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوٓا۟ أَيْنَ شُرَكَآؤُكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ
And [mention, O Muḥammad], the Day We will gather them all together; then We will say to those who associated others with Allāh, "Where are your 'partners' that you used to claim [with Him]?"
هَـٰذَا فَلْيَذُوقُوهُ حَمِيمٌ وَغَسَّاقٌ
This - so let them taste it - is scalding water and [foul] purulence.
وَوَصَّيْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٰلِدَيْهِ حُسْنًا ۖ وَإِن جَـٰهَدَاكَ لِتُشْرِكَ بِى مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَآ ۚ إِلَىَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
And We have enjoined upon man goodness to parents. But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. To Me is your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.