إِنَّا مُرْسِلُوا۟ ٱلنَّاقَةِ فِتْنَةً لَّهُمْ فَٱرْتَقِبْهُمْ وَٱصْطَبِرْ 27
Translations
Indeed, We are sending the she-camel as trial for them, so watch them and be patient.
Transliteration
Innā mursilū an-nāqata ftnatan lahum fartaqibhum wastasbir
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah informs the Prophet Muhammad that He will send the she-camel as a test (fitnah) for the people of Thamud, and commands him to wait for their response and remain patient. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that this camel was a miraculous sign given to the Thamud; their treatment of it would determine their fate, and the Prophet is instructed to observe their actions with steadfast patience, knowing that Allah's judgment is inevitable.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Prophet Salih and the people of Thamud in Surah Al-Qamar. It comes after the Thamud's arrogant rejection of Salih's message and their demand for a miraculous sign. This passage contextualizes the she-camel as that requested miracle and serves as a trial for their faith and obedience.
Related Hadiths
The story of the she-camel of Thamud is referenced in various hadith collections regarding the punishment of those who reject Allah's signs. See Sahih Muslim's account of the destruction of Thamud and Sunan Ibn Majah's narrations about the she-camel as a sign.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that patience and trust in Allah's plan are essential when facing opposition to the truth; the outcome of those who reject clear signs is predetermined by Allah, and the believer's duty is to deliver the message and remain steadfast.