وَثَمُودَا۟ فَمَآ أَبْقَىٰ 51
Translations
And Thamūd - and He did not spare [them] -
Transliteration
Wa thamooda fa maa abqa
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the destruction of the people of Thamud, an ancient Arab nation that rejected the message of the Prophet Salih and was destroyed by Allah's punishment. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the phrase 'fa maa abqa' (so He left nothing of them) emphasizes the complete annihilation of Thamud as a consequence of their obstinate rejection of divine guidance and their arrogance in defying Allah's signs.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within a section of Surah An-Najm that enumerates various nations destroyed for their rejection of Allah's messengers. The Meccan audience would have been familiar with the story of Thamud from Arabian history and pre-Islamic knowledge, serving as a warning to the disbelievers of Mecca about the inevitable consequences of rejecting prophetic messages.
Related Hadiths
The story of Thamud's destruction is referenced in Sahih Bukhari (3156) where the Prophet ﷺ mentioned the she-camel of Salih as a sign from Allah that was rejected by Thamud, leading to their destruction. Additionally, Surah Al-Fil (Chapter 105) similarly illustrates how Allah destroys those who reject His signs.
Themes
Key Lesson
The destruction of Thamud serves as a solemn reminder that rejecting the clear signs and messages of Allah carries severe consequences, regardless of a nation's power or prosperity. Believers should take heed from the fate of past civilizations and maintain steadfast obedience to Allah's guidance.