ذِكْرَىٰ وَمَا كُنَّا ظَـٰلِمِينَ 209
Translations
As a reminder; and never have We been unjust.
Transliteration
Dhikrá wa-mā kunnā ẓālimīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes the account of Prophet Salih and the people of Thamud, with the believers affirming that they are receiving the Qur'an as a reminder (dhikra) and clarifying that they are not wrongdoers. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir interpret this as the faithful ones among Thamud acknowledging that they follow the truth and reject injustice, contrasting themselves with those who reject the divine message and thus commit grave oppression against themselves.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears at the conclusion of the Thamud narrative within Surah Ash-Shu'ara, a Meccan surah that presents multiple prophetic stories as warnings and reminders to the Meccan disbelievers. The surah uses these historical accounts to encourage believers and warn against rejecting divine guidance, which was the primary context of revelation during the Meccan period.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this ayah, the concept of dhikra (remembrance/reminder) as the Qur'an's primary function is reinforced in authentic reports. See Surah Al-Hijr 15:9 where Allah promises to preserve the Qur'an as a reminder, and general hadiths on the Qur'an's role as guidance.
Themes
Key Lesson
True faith involves not only accepting divine guidance as a reminder to our hearts but also ensuring we do not become wrongdoers through our actions and treatment of others. This ayah teaches believers to actively distance themselves from injustice and to affirm their commitment to both belief and righteous conduct.