۞ أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ خَرَجُوا۟ مِن دِيَـٰرِهِمْ وَهُمْ أُلُوفٌ حَذَرَ ٱلْمَوْتِ فَقَالَ لَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مُوتُوا۟ ثُمَّ أَحْيَـٰهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَشْكُرُونَ 243
Translations
Have you not considered those who left their homes in many thousands, fearing death? Allāh said to them, "Die"; then He restored them to life. And Allāh is the possessor of bounty for the people, but most of the people do not show gratitude.
Transliteration
Alam tara ilal-ladhina kharaju min diyarihim wa hum ulufun hadhara al-mawti faqala lahumu Allah mutoo thumma ahyahum. Inna Allah ladhu fadlun ala al-nasi wa lakin akthara al-nasi la yashkurun.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah recounts a miraculous historical event where a group of people fled their homeland out of fear of death/plague, numbering in the thousands. Allah caused them to die, then resurrected them as a sign of His power and mercy. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari identify these people as inhabitants of a city (possibly during the time of Ezra/Uzair) who witnessed Allah's complete dominion over life and death, yet many remained ungrateful—illustrating the theme that miracles alone do not guarantee faith without sincere reflection.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Medinan section of Surah Al-Baqarah and follows verses about fighting in the way of Allah. It provides historical narrative evidence of Allah's power to encourage the early Muslim community regarding divine support. The broader context emphasizes trust in Allah's decree and the contrast between those who witness signs yet believe versus those who turn away.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly narrates this specific event, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:259 (the companion of the village) and various traditions about the resurrection (Qiyamah) support the theme of Allah's power over death and life. See also Al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah regarding the signs of the Hour and Allah's absolute power.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that Allah's miraculous interventions are signs meant to deepen our faith and gratitude; yet true belief requires more than witnessing wonders—it demands reflection, humility, and recognition of Allah's blessings. For modern readers, it is a reminder to consciously acknowledge Allah's mercy in our daily lives and guard against heedlessness despite witnessing His signs.