وَلَا تَمَسُّوهَا بِسُوٓءٍ فَيَأْخُذَكُمْ عَذَابُ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ 156
Translations
And do not touch her with harm, lest you be seized by the punishment of a terrible day."
Transliteration
Wa lā tamasūhā bi-sūʾin fa-yaʾkhudha-kum ʿadhābu yawmin ʿaẓīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah is part of Prophet Salih's warning to his people regarding the she-camel sent by Allah as a sign. The verse commands them not to harm or touch the camel with evil intent, warning that to do so would bring upon them the punishment of a mighty day. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that this was a clear test of obedience to Allah's command, and the Thamūd's eventual violation of this prohibition led to their complete destruction.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the account of Prophet Salih and the people of Thamūd in Surah Ash-Shu'ara. After Salih called them to monotheism and they demanded a miraculous sign, Allah sent them a she-camel as a clear proof. This verse represents the divine condition placed upon them regarding the camel, serving as a test of their faith and obedience.
Related Hadiths
The story of the she-camel and Thamūd is referenced in multiple surahs. While not a hadith directly, Surah Al-Qamar (54:27-31) provides additional details: 'And the she-camel was a trial for them, so they [decided to] kill her. But We saved him and those who believed with him by mercy from Us.' The broader principle is mentioned in various hadiths about respecting Allah's signs and the consequences of transgression.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that respecting and protecting what Allah has designated as sacred is a test of genuine faith and obedience. The severity of the warning reminds us that rejection of clear signs and deliberate harm to what Allah has protected leads to decisive divine punishment, encouraging Muslims to be mindful of their responsibilities toward Allah's creation and commands.