إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِۦٓ أَلَا تَتَّقُونَ 124
Translations
When he said to his people, "Will you not fear Allāh?
Transliteration
Idh qala liqawmihi ala tattaqun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah depicts Prophet Elias (Ilyas) calling his people to fear Allah and abandon idolatry. According to classical tafsir scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, this represents Elias's urgent exhortation to his community to adopt taqwa (God-consciousness) and turn away from worshipping false deities. The rhetorical question format emphasizes the obviousness and necessity of fearing Allah, implying that neglecting taqwa is unreasonable and spiritually dangerous.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah As-Saffat's discussion of various prophets and their missions. The broader context (verses 123-132) specifically narrates the story of Prophet Elias and his struggle against the idolatry prevalent among his people. While this surah is Meccan, it addresses the polytheists of Mecca by recounting how previous prophets called their nations to monotheism and divine fear.
Related Hadiths
The theme of taqwa is reinforced in numerous hadiths. For example, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Taqwa is here' (pointing to the chest) - related in Sunan Ibn Majah and Jami' at-Tirmidhi. Additionally, the concept of warning one's people mirrors the Prophet's own mission, as mentioned in Sahih Bukhari where he described himself as a warner.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers of the importance of maintaining and spreading taqwa within their communities, recognizing that fear of Allah is the foundation of righteous living. It teaches that prophetic guidance has always centered on this fundamental principle, making it eternally relevant for all who seek spiritual truth.