كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا كُلِّهَا فَأَخَذْنَـٰهُمْ أَخْذَ عَزِيزٍ مُّقْتَدِرٍ 42
Translations
They denied Our signs, all of them, so We seized them with a seizure of one Exalted in Might and Perfect in Ability.
Transliteration
Kadhdhabo bi-ayatina kullaha fa-akhdhnahum akhdha azizin muqtadir
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to those who rejected all of Allah's signs and verses, and consequently Allah seized them with the seizure of one who is mighty and powerful. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as referring specifically to Pharaoh and his people, who were destroyed through drowning despite witnessing countless miracles. The phrase 'akhdh al-aziz al-muqtadir' (the seizure of the Mighty, the Powerful) emphasizes that Allah's punishment is swift, irresistible, and reflects His supreme authority when He decides to punish those who persistently reject His signs.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Qamar, a Meccan surah that repeatedly emphasizes warnings to those who reject Allah's signs. The surah recounts various historical nations who rejected their prophets—including the people of Noah, 'Ad, Thamud, Lot, and Pharaoh—each ending with the refrain that the Qur'an has been made easy to understand. This particular ayah concludes the narrative of Pharaoh's destruction, serving as a warning to the Meccan polytheists who similarly rejected Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The strongest amongst you in strength is the one who conquers himself when in anger' (related to Allah's strength and control over His punishment). Also relevant is Sunan Ibn Majah's narration about the destruction of Pharaoh as a sign for believers.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that persistent rejection of divine guidance inevitably leads to severe consequences, as Allah's punishment is absolute and inescapable for those who turn away. It reminds us that every sign of Allah's existence and message is an opportunity for guidance, and neglecting these signs closes the door to mercy and opens it to divine wrath.