أَلَمْ يَأْتِكُمْ نَبَؤُا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِن قَبْلُ فَذَاقُوا۟ وَبَالَ أَمْرِهِمْ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ 5
Translations
Has there not come to you the news of those who disbelieved before? So they tasted the bad consequence of their affair, and they will have a painful punishment.
Transliteration
Alam ya'tikum naba'u alladhina kafaroo min qablu fadhaqoo wabala amrihim wa lahum adhabun aleem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah warns the believers by recounting the fate of previous disbelieving nations who tasted the bitter consequences of their rejection of truth and disobedience to Allah. Ibn Kathir explains that this serves as a deterrent, reminding the Muslims of Madinah that those who reject the message face both worldly punishment and the eternal painful torment of the Hereafter. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that 'wabaal' (consequence/burden) refers to the severe repercussions they experienced in this life before the greater punishment awaits them.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah At-Taghabun, a Medinan surah that addresses the believers regarding their relationship with disbelievers and the reality of the afterlife. The context speaks to the Muslim community in Madinah who witnessed the rejection of the Prophet's message by various groups, using historical precedents as a warning and lesson.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them.' (Sahih Bukhari 3650) This relates thematically to the importance of following guidance. Additionally, the Quranic principle is reflected in the hadith about the destruction of past nations due to their rejection of Allah's signs.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should reflect upon the fate of those who rejected truth before them as a sobering reminder that rejection of guidance carries severe consequences both in this life and the next. This ayah encourages steadfastness in faith and obedience, knowing that Allah's justice is certain and inescapable.