أَفَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ إِلَىٰ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ إِن نَّشَأْ نَخْسِفْ بِهِمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ أَوْ نُسْقِطْ عَلَيْهِمْ كِسَفًا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّكُلِّ عَبْدٍ مُّنِيبٍ 9
Translations
Then, do they not look at what is before them and what is behind them of the heaven and earth? If We should will, We could cause the earth to swallow them or [could] let fall upon them fragments from the sky. Indeed in that is a sign for every servant turning back [to Allāh].
Transliteration
Afalam yaraw ila ma bayna aydihim wa ma khalfahum mina assama'i wa al-ard. In nasha nakhsif bihimu al-ard aw nusqit alayhim kisafan mina assama'. Inna fi dhalika la-ayatan li-kulli abdin munib.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah calls the disbelievers to observe the creation of the heavens and earth surrounding them, reminding them of Allah's absolute power and control. Allah warns that He can cause the earth to swallow them or send down fragments of the sky upon them as punishment, emphasizing His capability to bring about destruction. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as a powerful deterrent against arrogance and disbelief, indicating that such signs of divine power should humble the hearts of those who turn back to Allah (al-munibun).
Revelation Context
This surah addresses the context of Meccan opposition to the Prophet Muhammad's message. The ayah occurs within a section addressing those who rejected the signs of Allah and the message of Tawhid (monotheism), particularly relevant to the deniers among Quraysh who witnessed clear signs yet persisted in their disbelief.
Related Hadiths
The concept of divine punishment for rejecting signs is reflected in hadith regarding the people of 'Ad and Thamud. Sahih Muslim records traditions about the destruction of nations who rejected the prophets, demonstrating the reality of such punishments mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to recognize Allah's absolute power through observing creation and to maintain humility and obedience before Him. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder that no power on earth can stand against Allah's will, and that sincere repentance and turning back to Allah is the path to safety and salvation.