وَكُلًّا ضَرَبْنَا لَهُ ٱلْأَمْثَـٰلَ ۖ وَكُلًّا تَبَّرْنَا تَتْبِيرًا 39
Translations
And for each We presented examples [as warnings], and each We destroyed with [total] destruction.
Transliteration
Wa kullan darabnā lahū al-amthāl wa kullan tabararnā tattbīrā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that Allah presented examples and parables to every people who rejected the messengers, and utterly destroyed each of them for their disbelief and rejection. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the verse emphasizes that Allah's pattern of giving clear signs through messengers and examples, followed by destruction for those who persist in denial, is consistent throughout history. The phrase 'tabarrna tattbīrā' (we utterly destroyed them) indicates complete annihilation as a consequence of their arrogance and rejection.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Furqan (The Criterion), which discusses the signs of Allah and the fate of disbelievers throughout history. It follows verses discussing previous nations and messengers, establishing a thematic pattern of divine justice: Allah sends messengers with clear signs, offers parables for understanding, and destroys those who reject the message. This is part of a broader Meccan discussion of divine justice and the consequences of rejecting truth.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned the destruction of previous nations: 'The examples of the guidance and the knowledge with which Allah has sent me are like abundant rain falling on the earth.' This emphasizes how clarity of message precedes judgment, similar to the ayah's mention of examples (al-amthāl) before destruction.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that rejection of divine truth carries serious consequences and that Allah's justice operates consistently throughout history. For modern readers, it serves as a warning against arrogance and heedlessness when confronted with clear signs and guidance, and encourages acceptance of the message while the opportunity remains.
Related Ayahs
فَيَوْمَئِذٍ لَّا يُسْـَٔلُ عَن ذَنۢبِهِۦٓ إِنسٌ وَلَا جَآنٌّ
Then on that Day none will be asked about his sin among men or jinn.
وَأَنذِرْهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْحَسْرَةِ إِذْ قُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ وَهُمْ فِى غَفْلَةٍ وَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ
And warn them, [O Muḥammad], of the Day of Regret, when the matter will be concluded; and [yet], they are in [a state of] heedlessness, and they do not believe.
ذَٰلِكُمْ فَذُوقُوهُ وَأَنَّ لِلْكَـٰفِرِينَ عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
"That [is yours], so taste it." And indeed for the disbelievers is the punishment of the Fire.
وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذْ وُقِفُوا۟ عَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ ۚ قَالَ أَلَيْسَ هَـٰذَا بِٱلْحَقِّ ۚ قَالُوا۟ بَلَىٰ وَرَبِّنَا ۚ قَالَ فَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ
If you could but see when they will be made to stand before their Lord. He will say, "Is this not the truth?" They will say, "Yes, by our Lord." He will [then] say, "So taste the punishment for what you used to deny."