فَتِلْكَ بُيُوتُهُمْ خَاوِيَةًۢ بِمَا ظَلَمُوٓا۟ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ 52
Translations
So those are their houses, desolate because of the wrong they had done. Indeed in that is a sign for people who know.
Transliteration
Fatilka buyootuhum khawiyatan bima dhalamoo, inna fee dhalika la-ayatan liqawmin ya'lamoon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the desolate ruins of the dwellings of the people of Thamud as a consequence of their wrongdoing and rejection of the Prophet Salih. The empty, abandoned houses serve as a clear sign and warning for those who possess knowledge and understanding, demonstrating Allah's justice in punishing those who persist in oppression. Ibn Kathir emphasizes that these ruins were a tangible evidence of divine punishment that the Arabs could witness, while Al-Tabari notes that the destruction came because they rejected the clear signs brought to them.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Naml's discussion of the people of Thamud, one of the ancient Arabian tribes destroyed for their rejection of Prophet Salih and their arrogance. The surah recounts stories of previous nations to warn the Meccans of similar consequences if they persist in disbelief. This narrative occupies verses 45-53 of the surah.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding the ruins of Thamud: 'Do not enter the dwellings of those who wronged themselves unless you enter weeping' (Sahih Bukhari 4415). This hadith reinforces the ayah's message about the ruins being a sign of divine punishment for wrongdoing.
Themes
Key Lesson
The visible ruins and desolation of ancient civilizations that rejected Allah's guidance serve as profound reminders that wrongdoing inevitably leads to destruction and ruin. This teaches us that rejecting divine truth and persisting in oppression is not without consequence, and wisdom lies in reflecting upon the lessons history provides for those willing to observe and learn.