وَإِنَّهَا لَبِسَبِيلٍ مُّقِيمٍ 76
Translations
And indeed, they [i.e., those cities] are [situated] on an established road.
Transliteration
Wa-innaha la-bi-sabīlin muqīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (the people of Lot) which remain on a well-known, established path that travelers pass by. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that Allah is pointing to the ruins and remnants of these destroyed cities as a sign and lesson for those who pass by them, serving as a clear warning against disobedience and immoral behavior. The phrase 'sabīl muqīm' (established path) emphasizes that these ruins were situated on a main trade route, making them visible evidence of divine punishment.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Hijr (15:76-84), which recounts the story of Lot's people and their destruction. The passage serves to remind the Quraysh and believers of past nations' punishment for rejecting their messengers. The mention of the cities being on a well-known path underscores how their destruction was a public, observable sign for all generations.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly addresses this ayah, Surah Al-Hijr's themes relate to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned the punishment of past nations as a warning. Additionally, hadiths about the destruction of the people of Lot appear in Sunan Ibn Majah and Jami' At-Tirmidhi.
Themes
Key Lesson
The destruction of nations serves as an enduring witness and reminder for those who come after them; believers should reflect upon these historical lessons and take heed from the consequences of moral transgression and the rejection of divine guidance.