أَلَمْ نُهْلِكِ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ 16
Translations
Did We not destroy the former peoples?
Transliteration
Alam nuhliki al-awwalin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah poses a rhetorical question reminding the disbelievers of Allah's destruction of previous nations who rejected their messengers. The verse serves as a warning that the Quraysh should not assume immunity from divine punishment simply because they are the current generation, as Allah has destroyed far mightier civilizations before them for their arrogance and rejection of truth. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this is part of Allah's argument to shake the hearts of the deniers by presenting historical precedents of divine retribution.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Mursalat, which was revealed in Mecca during the period of intense opposition to the Prophet Muhammad. The surah repeatedly uses rhetorical questions and references to destroyed nations to warn the Meccan disbelievers of the inevitable consequences of their rejection. This particular ayah is part of a series of warnings emphasizing that destruction of nations is an established pattern in Allah's dealings with those who deny His signs.
Related Hadiths
The general theme relates to Surah Al-Anfal 8:55, where Allah mentions the pattern of nations before them. Additionally, the concept is reinforced in various ahadith concerning the punishment of previous communities, such as those in Sahih Muslim regarding the drowning of Pharaoh's people and the destruction of 'Ad and Thamud.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that no nation or people, regardless of their strength or status, are immune from Allah's judgment if they persistently reject His guidance and messengers. For modern believers, it emphasizes the importance of heeding warnings from history and taking seriously the signs and teachings of Islam, recognizing that divine consequences for collective rejection of truth are real and inevitable.