مَآ ءَامَنَتْ قَبْلَهُم مِّن قَرْيَةٍ أَهْلَكْنَـٰهَآ ۖ أَفَهُمْ يُؤْمِنُونَ 6
Translations
Not a [single] city which We destroyed believed before them, so will they believe?
Transliteration
Mā āmanat qablahum min qaryatin ahlaknāhā, afahum yu'minūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the destruction of previous nations who rejected their prophets' messages. Allah is rhetorically questioning whether the disbelievers of Mecca will believe, given that He has already destroyed countless cities before them for their disbelief. Ibn Kathir notes this serves as a stark warning: just as previous generations were annihilated for rejecting divine guidance, the Quraysh should fear a similar fate if they persist in their rejection.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Anbiya's discussion of various prophets and the fate of those who rejected them. The broader theme addresses the Meccan disbelievers' arrogance and refusal to accept the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), reminding them of historical precedents where entire civilizations were destroyed for similar defiance.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned: 'When three things are present in a person: faith in Allah, good treatment of neighbors, and good character—Paradise becomes obligatory for him.' Conversely, rejection leads to destruction, as referenced in the hadith about past nations in Sunan Ibn Majah regarding the destruction of 'Ad and Thamud.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that persistent rejection of divine guidance carries grave consequences, as evidenced by history. For believers today, it serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding prophetic wisdom and the certainty that Allah's promises of justice are absolute—both for the righteous and the defiant.