فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ ٱلصَّيْحَةُ مُصْبِحِينَ 83
Translations
But the shriek seized them at early morning,
Transliteration
Fa-akhdhathumu as-sayhatu musbiheen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how the people of Thamud were seized by a mighty blast (as-sayhah) in the morning, referring to the sound of divine punishment that destroyed them for their rejection of the Prophet Salih and their arrogance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that this 'blast' was a severe earthquake or thunderous sound accompanied by divine punishment, which overtook them while they were in their homes at dawn. The timing 'at morning' emphasizes the swiftness and inescapability of Allah's punishment upon those who persist in disbelief.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the Meccan surah Al-Hijr, which recounts stories of destroyed nations as warnings to the Quraysh. The ayah specifically narrates the fate of the people of Thamud, who rejected their messenger Salih and hamstrung the she-camel sent as a sign from Allah. These historical accounts served to encourage the Muslims in Mecca and warn the disbelievers of the consequences of rejecting divine guidance.
Related Hadiths
The general narrative of Thamud's destruction is referenced in multiple hadiths. See Sahih Muslim (2286) where the Prophet ﷺ warned against the sites of destroyed peoples. Additionally, Sunan Ibn Majah contains accounts of the Prophet's ﷺ teachings about the she-camel of Thamud and their punishment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that rejecting Allah's messengers and signs carries grave consequences, and that divine punishment comes swiftly to those who persist in disbelief and arrogance. It serves as an eternal warning that no one is beyond Allah's reach, and that material prosperity and earthly power cannot protect one from accountability before Allah.