وَٱلْمُؤْتَفِكَةَ أَهْوَىٰ 53
Translations
And the overturned towns He hurled down.
Transliteration
Wal-mu'tafika ahuwa
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the overthrow and destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (the People of Lut). According to classical tafsirs like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, 'Al-Mu'tafika' (the Overturned Cities) alludes to how Allah caused these cities to be inverted and destroyed as punishment for their grave moral transgressions. The ayah emphasizes that Allah's justice encompasses even those who commit the most heinous sins, and His punishment is swift and certain.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah An-Najm, a Meccan surah that recounts the story of the Prophet Muhammad's night journey and addresses the disbelievers' rejection of the message. The reference to the destruction of the People of Lut serves as a historical reminder to the Meccan polytheists of Allah's past punishments, warning them against similar arrogance and rejection of divine guidance.
Related Hadiths
The destruction of the People of Lut is referenced in multiple hadiths. One relevant tradition in Sahih Muslim describes the severe punishment that befell these cities. Additionally, Sunan Ibn Majah records hadiths about the Prophet's warnings regarding similar moral transgressions that invite divine punishment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that persistent moral corruption and rejection of Allah's guidance inevitably lead to severe consequences, serving as a timeless warning against complacency in faith and ethical conduct. It reinforces that Allah's justice is absolute and His punishment encompasses all societies that transgress moral boundaries.