كَمَثَلِ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ قَرِيبًا ۖ ذَاقُوا۟ وَبَالَ أَمْرِهِمْ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ 15
Translations
[Theirs is] like the example of those shortly before them: they tasted the bad consequence of their affair, and they will have a painful punishment.
Transliteration
Kamathali alladhina min qablihim qariban, dhaqoo wa bala amrihim wa lahum adhab alim
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the example of those who came before the Jews of Banu Nadir—specifically the disbelieving communities of previous nations—who tasted the evil consequences of their disobedience and rebellion against Allah. Ibn Kathir explains that just as the earlier disbelievers faced severe punishment for their rejection of truth, so too would the Banu Nadir and those who follow their path experience painful torment. Al-Tabari emphasizes that 'wabaal' (evil consequence) refers to the immediate worldly punishment that befell them, foreshadowing the greater punishment awaiting them in the Hereafter.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed after the incident of Banu Nadir's expulsion from Medina in the year 4 AH, following their betrayal and plot against Prophet Muhammad. The ayah serves as a warning to those who stubbornly reject guidance, reminding them that history repeats itself—those who oppose Allah's Message face the same destructive consequences as their predecessors.
Related Hadiths
The principle reflected here relates to the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned: 'Whoever amongst you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart'—emphasizing consequences for those who persist in wrongdoing.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that rejecting truth has inevitable consequences—both in this life and the next—and that Allah's pattern with nations is constant and just. We should heed the warnings from history rather than repeating the mistakes of those before us, and recognize that our choices today determine our outcome tomorrow.