كَذَّبَتْ ثَمُودُ بِٱلنُّذُرِ 23
Translations
Thamūd denied the warning.
Transliteration
Kadhdhbat Thamodu bin-nuzur
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that the people of Thamud rejected the warnings sent to them by their prophet Salih. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this rejection was not due to lack of clarity in the message, but rather their arrogance, disbelief, and turning away from the truth despite witnessing clear signs. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes Thamud's rejection as a historical example of a people who were destroyed due to their persistent denial of divine guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Qamar, which is structured as a series of narratives about past nations who rejected their prophets. The surah's refrain 'And indeed, easy is My punishment and My forgiveness' (54:16) emphasizes that rejection of warnings leads to destruction. Thamud's story is presented as part of the broader Meccan message warning the polytheists of Mecca of similar consequences if they reject Prophet Muhammad's warnings.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (3161) describes the well of Thamud and how the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against drinking from it or using its water. Additionally, Surah Al-Qamar 54:24-29 provides detailed context of Thamud's rejection, which connects to various hadith discussions about their arrogance and defiance of Salih.
Themes
Key Lesson
Just as Thamud was destroyed for rejecting clear warnings from their prophet, persistently ignoring divine guidance and moral warnings carries severe consequences. Believers should reflect on these historical examples as cautionary tales and remain humble and receptive to truth, lest they fall into similar patterns of denial and destruction.