إِذْ قَالَ لَهُمْ أَخُوهُمْ هُودٌ أَلَا تَتَّقُونَ 124
Translations
When their brother Hūd said to them, "Will you not fear Allāh?
Transliteration
Idh qala lahum akhuhum Hud ala tattaqun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah depicts Prophet Hud addressing his people, calling them to fear Allah and abandon their idolatry and transgressions. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, Hud's appeal to piety (taqwa) was the foundational message of his da'wah, emphasizing that God-consciousness was the remedy for their moral corruption and deviation. The phrase 'their brother Hud' underscores his kinship with them and legitimacy as a messenger, making his call more compelling and personal.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Ash-Shu'ara's narrative section detailing the stories of various prophets and their peoples. The surah was revealed in Mecca and presents these historical accounts as evidence and consolation to Prophet Muhammad. The context of Hud's message to the 'Ad people illustrates the recurring pattern of prophetic preaching and societal rejection that characterizes human history.
Related Hadiths
Surah Ash-Shu'ara itself is referenced in authentic hadith collections regarding the virtue of Quranic recitation. Additionally, the theme of taqwa (God-consciousness) is central to numerous hadiths, such as: 'Taqwa is here' (pointing to the heart) - reported in Jami' at-Tirmidhi, emphasizing that fear of Allah must originate from sincere hearts.
Themes
Key Lesson
Like Prophet Hud, those who guide others toward righteousness must appeal to people's conscience and remind them of their accountability before Allah. True reform begins with taqwa—an internalized fear and love of God that motivates ethical behavior, making it more important to focus on hearts than mere outward compliance.