وَإِن كَانَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْأَيْكَةِ لَظَـٰلِمِينَ 78
Translations
And the companions of the thicket [i.e., the people of Madyan] were [also] wrongdoers,
Transliteration
Wa in kana ashabu al-aykati la-zalimin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the people of al-Aykah (the woodland/thicket), identified by most classical scholars as the people of Shuayb (Jethro), who were destroyed for their oppression and rejection of their prophet's message. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that 'al-Aykah' was a densely wooded area, and the people there were characterized by extreme injustice, particularly in their commercial dealings and rejection of divine guidance. The ayah emphasizes that their destruction was a just consequence of their persistent wrongdoing and denial of truth.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Hijr, which recounts various stories of past nations and their rejection of prophets. It is part of a broader Meccan surah designed to reassure the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by reminding him of how previous communities rejected their messengers, and how Allah ultimately brought them to account. The context strengthens the message that truth always prevails over oppression.
Related Hadiths
No specific hadith directly mentions this ayah, but Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim contain various hadiths about the destruction of past nations who rejected their prophets, reinforcing the theme that injustice leads to divine punishment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a powerful reminder that systemic injustice and the rejection of divine truth inevitably lead to destruction, both individually and collectively. Modern readers should reflect on ensuring fairness in their dealings and responding positively to moral and spiritual guidance.