فَدَعَا رَبَّهُۥٓ أَنَّ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ قَوْمٌ مُّجْرِمُونَ 22
Translations
And [finally] he called to his Lord that these were a criminal people.
Transliteration
Fada'a rabbahu anna haula'i qawmun mujrimun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Prophet Nuh (Noah) calling upon his Lord, describing his people as criminals and wrongdoers who persistently rejected his message of monotheism. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that Nuh's supplication was an expression of his frustration after 950 years of preaching without success, demonstrating the Prophet's justified complaint to Allah against those who stubbornly persisted in disbelief and sin. The term 'mujrimun' (criminals) emphasizes their deliberate rejection of truth and their moral corruption, not merely individual errors.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Nuh within Surah Ad-Dukhan, which recounts the stories of various prophets and their nations. The context describes Nuh's final plea to Allah against his rebellious people, which led to the Great Flood. This narrative illustrates the consequences of collective rejection of prophetic guidance and divine warning.
Related Hadiths
The story of Nuh's dua is referenced in Surah Nuh (71:5-6) where Allah states: 'Indeed, I invited them to the right way, but they continued in error.' Additionally, Sahih Muslim contains hadiths about the patience of the prophets in facing their people's rejection and mockery.
Themes
Key Lesson
When faced with persistent rejection and injustice, believers should turn to Allah in sincere supplication rather than despair, trusting in His ultimate justice and wisdom. This ayah teaches that calling upon Allah against wrongdoing is a legitimate and spiritually strengthening act for those who have fulfilled their duty to convey the truth.