فَأَكْثَرُوا۟ فِيهَا ٱلْفَسَادَ 12
Translations
And increased therein the corruption.
Transliteration
Fa-akstharu fīhā al-fasād
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the people of 'Ād who spread corruption and transgression in the land after receiving blessings from Allah. Ibn Kathir explains that despite their strength and resources, they used them for wrongdoing rather than obedience to Allah, embodying spiritual and moral corruption. Al-Tabari emphasizes that their fasād (corruption) encompassed both disobedience to Allah's commands and oppression of others, ultimately leading to their destruction.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Fajr's narrative about past nations and their fates. It specifically addresses the people of 'Ād (mentioned in verses 89:6-8), a powerful ancient Arabian tribe who rejected Allah's messenger Hud and squandered their prosperity through corruption and arrogance, serving as a warning to the Quraysh and all disbelieving peoples.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim states: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' - contrasting with those who abuse their strength for corruption. Additionally, the hadith in Jami' at-Tirmidhi emphasizes that spreading corruption in the earth is among the greatest sins.
Themes
Key Lesson
Wealth, strength, and resources are divine tests meant to encourage gratitude and righteous conduct, not instruments for exploitation and transgression. When communities abuse their blessings through corruption, they invite Allah's punishment, making it essential to use our advantages for justice and obedience.