مُّسَوَّمَةً عِندَ رَبِّكَ ۖ وَمَا هِىَ مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ بِبَعِيدٍ 83
Translations
Marked from your Lord. And it [i.e., Allāh's punishment] is not from the wrongdoers [very] far.
Transliteration
Musawwamatan inda rabbika wa ma hiya mina az-zalimina bi-ba'id
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the stones of baked clay that Allah sent upon the people of Fil (the Elephant), as mentioned in Surah Al-Fil. The word 'musawwamah' (marked/branded) indicates these stones were specially prepared by Allah as a sign of His power and punishment. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse emphasizes that Allah's punishment for the oppressors is always near and inescapable, as evidenced by the swift destruction of those who attempted to harm the Ka'bah.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Hud's discussion of various prophets and the fate of nations that rejected divine guidance. It specifically follows the narrative of Lot's people and precedes the story of Salih. The reference to the marked stones serves as a historical example of Allah's swift justice against oppressors, reinforcing the central theme of the surah: that rejection of the prophets' message leads to inevitable destruction.
Related Hadiths
The event is referenced in Sahih Bukhari regarding the Year of the Elephant (Aam al-Fil), when Abrahah attempted to destroy the Ka'bah. Additionally, Jابir ibn Abdullah narrated about the protection of the Ka'bah from such attacks, emphasizing Allah's guardianship of His sacred House.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that Allah's justice is certain and swift for those who commit oppression and transgression, while also demonstrating Allah's protection of what is sacred and His promise to preserve His religion. Modern readers should find reassurance that injustice never goes unpunished and that reliance on Allah provides ultimate security.