وَنَبِّئْهُمْ أَنَّ ٱلْمَآءَ قِسْمَةٌۢ بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ كُلُّ شِرْبٍ مُّحْتَضَرٌ 28
Translations
And inform them that the water is shared between them, each [day of] drink attended [by turn].
Transliteration
Wa-nabbiʾhum anna al-māʾa qismah bayna-hum, kullu shirbin muḥtaḍar
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet (ﷺ) to inform the people of Thamud that water is to be divided equally between them and their livestock, with each group having a designated drinking day. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain this as part of the trial Allah imposed on Thamud—they were given a specific test regarding the she-camel of Allah and the fair distribution of water. The phrase 'kullu shirbin muḥtaḍar' (every drinking turn is attended/observed) emphasizes that the arrangement was to be strictly maintained and witnessed by all, making it a clear sign from Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Thamud within Surah Al-Qamar, which recounts the destruction of disbelieving nations. The specific context involves the she-camel (nāqat Allāh) sent as a sign to Thamud, with water distribution being a crucial element of their test. The surah emphasizes how nations rejected clear signs from Allah and were subsequently destroyed.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this ayah, Surah Al-Qamar's narrative of Thamud is referenced in various collections. See Surah Ash-Shams (91:11-15) which also mentions Thamud's rejection of the she-camel. The general principle of just distribution is supported by hadiths on fairness in resource allocation (related to Islamic principles of justice).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that divine provisions and blessings are meant to be shared equitably among people, and that accepting Allah's clear signs with obedience and justice is essential—the downfall of nations often stems from their rejection of truth and their unjust dealings with one another.