إِنْ هَـٰذَآ إِلَّا خُلُقُ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ 137
Translations
This is not but the custom of the former peoples,
Transliteration
In hatha illa khuluqu al-awwalin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah records the dismissive response of the people of 'Ad to Prophet Hud's message, claiming that what he presented was merely 'the custom of the former peoples'—an old practice with no divine truth behind it. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, they rejected the message of monotheism and resurrection by attributing it to mere human tradition rather than divine revelation, demonstrating their stubborn denial and arrogance in dismissing prophetic guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the narrative of Prophet Hud and his people ('Ad) in Surah Ash-Shu'ara, a Meccan surah that presents multiple prophetic narratives as evidence of Allah's consistent methodology in sending messengers. The broader context shows the Quraysh's similar rejection of Prophet Muhammad's message, drawing a parallel between ancient and contemporary deniers of truth.
Related Hadiths
The principle is reflected in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against following the ways of previous nations blindly. Relatedly, Sunan Ibn Majah records guidance about not following customs that contradict Islamic teachings, emphasizing that truth cannot be determined by mere ancestral practice.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that age-old customs and societal norms are not sufficient evidence of truth; we must evaluate beliefs and practices against divine revelation rather than defaulting to 'this is how our ancestors did it'—a timeless warning against unquestioning conformity.