فَأَسْقِطْ عَلَيْنَا كِسَفًا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ 187
Translations
So cause to fall upon us fragments of the sky, if you should be of the truthful."
Transliteration
Fa-asqit 'alayna kisafan min as-sama'i in kunta min as-sadiqin
Tafsir (Explanation)
In this ayah, the disbelievers of Thamud mockingly challenge the Prophet Salih to bring down pieces of the sky upon them if he truly speaks the truth. This represents their arrogant rejection and deliberate defiance of the divine message. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that this challenge was a sign of their obstinate disbelief and their demand for a punishment they presumed would never come—yet Allah did send His punishment upon them as described in the subsequent verses.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Prophet Salih and the people of Thamud in Surah Ash-Shu'ara, a Meccan surah that presents stories of prophets and their nations' rejection. The context involves Thamud's escalating mockery and rejection of Salih's message, culminating in their defiant challenge to Allah's punishment.
Related Hadiths
The story of Thamud and Salih is referenced in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentions the people of Thamud and their fate. Additionally, the theme of arrogant disbelief leading to punishment is addressed in various ahadith about those who reject the signs of Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that arrogant mockery and deliberate rejection of truth will inevitably lead to divine punishment, regardless of how confident the rejectors feel in their position. It warns against using false bravado and sarcasm as shields against recognizing God's signs, reminding believers that sincerity and humility in seeking truth are essential spiritual virtues.