إِرَمَ ذَاتِ ٱلْعِمَادِ 7
Translations
[With] Iram - who had lofty pillars,
Transliteration
Irama dhat al-'imad
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the ancient city of Iram (also called Ubar), which was renowned for its towering pillars and architectural grandeur, built by the people of 'Ad. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that Allah mentions this city as an example of worldly power and magnificence that was ultimately destroyed due to the people's disbelief and arrogance. The phrase 'dhat al-'imad' (possessor of pillars) emphasizes the city's impressive architectural achievement, yet despite its splendor, it could not protect its inhabitants from divine punishment.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Fajr was revealed in Mecca during the early Meccan period. This ayah appears within a passage (89:6-14) where Allah reminds the Quraysh of destroyed past civilizations—'Ad, Thamud, and Pharaoh—as a warning against rejecting the Message. The context emphasizes that no amount of worldly power or material achievement can save a people who turn away from Allah's guidance.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly quotes this verse, Sahih Muslim contains reports about the archaeological evidence of Iram, and various hadith collections discuss the fate of the people of 'Ad and lessons from their destruction as mentioned in the Sunnah regarding past nations.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that no civilization, regardless of its architectural marvels or technological prowess, is secure from divine punishment if it abandons faith and justice. For believers today, it is a reminder that true security lies not in material accumulation or worldly prestige, but in obedience to Allah and adherence to His message.