إِنَّآ أَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ حَاصِبًا إِلَّآ ءَالَ لُوطٍ ۖ نَّجَّيْنَـٰهُم بِسَحَرٍ 34
Translations
Indeed, We sent upon them a storm of stones, except the family of Lot - We saved them before dawn.
Transliteration
Innā arsalnā ʿalayhim ḥāṣiban illā āla Lūṭ, najjaynāhum bi-saḥar
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Allah sent a shower of stones (baked clay) upon the people of Lot except for his believing family, whom Allah rescued early in the morning. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that 'ḥāṣib' (heated stones) refers to the punishment sent upon the people of Lot for their rejection of His message and their abominable deeds, while the phrase 'bi-saḥar' (in the early morning/before dawn) indicates the precise timing of the family's deliverance. This demonstrates Allah's justice in punishing the rejectors while protecting the believers.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Qamar is Meccan and recounts the stories of various nations destroyed for rejecting the prophets. This ayah appears within the narrative of Lot's people (Qawm Lūṭ) and their destruction, serving as a warning to the Meccans about the consequences of rejecting the Prophet Muhammad. The specific mention of the people of Lot's destruction is woven into the broader theme of Allah's punishment upon disbelieving communities.
Related Hadiths
The story of Lot's people is mentioned in various hadiths regarding the punishment of nations. A relevant reference is found in Sunan Ibn Mājah and Tirmidhi where the Prophet (ﷺ) warned against the actions of the people of Lot, emphasizing that this nation faced one of the most severe punishments due to their deviation from natural law.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reassures believers that Allah's punishment is certain for those who persist in rejecting His message and committing grave transgressions, while simultaneously guaranteeing protection and safe deliverance for those who have faith. For modern readers, it reinforces trust in Allah's justice and wisdom, encouraging adherence to moral boundaries and obedience to divine guidance.