قَالَ عَمَّا قَلِيلٍ لَّيُصْبِحُنَّ نَـٰدِمِينَ 40
Translations
[Allāh] said, "After a little, they will surely become regretful."
Transliteration
Qala amma qalīl layusbihun nādimīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Nuh (Peace be upon him) responds to the mockery of his people by warning them that very soon they will become regretful and remorseful. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as Nuh's confident assertion of divine punishment, specifically referring to the impending flood. This statement reflects the prophet's certainty in Allah's promise and serves as a final warning before the destruction of the disbelievers.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Prophet Nuh and his people in Surah Al-Mu'minun, which details Nuh's 950-year mission of calling his people to monotheism. The verse follows the people's rejection and ridicule of Nuh, and precedes the account of the flood. It establishes the theme of inevitable divine punishment for those who reject the prophets.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim (2365) where the Prophet Muhammad mentioned that Nuh called his people for 950 years, and only a few believed, relates thematically to the context of this ayah. Additionally, Hadith Qudsi in Tirmidhi regarding Allah's patience before punishment reflects the wisdom behind Nuh's warning.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that rejection of divine guidance carries inevitable consequences, and that believers should trust in Allah's promise even when surrounded by mockery and disbelief. It reminds us that worldly arrogance and denial will eventually lead to remorse, making sincere repentance and acceptance of truth urgent matters.