وَلَقَدْ جَآءَهُم مِّنَ ٱلْأَنۢبَآءِ مَا فِيهِ مُزْدَجَرٌ 4
Translations
And there has already come to them of information that in which there is deterrence.
Transliteration
Wa-laqad jaa'ahum min al-anbaa'i maa feehi muzdajarun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that the disbelievers of Mecca have indeed received from the news (of previous nations and their punishments) that which should cause them to abstain from disbelief and disobedience. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, 'muzdajarun' (deterrent/restraint) refers to warnings and cautionary tales from the stories of previous peoples who rejected their messengers and faced divine punishment. The ayah emphasizes that the Quran contains sufficient admonition for those willing to reflect upon the fates of past generations.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Qamar is a Meccan surah that repeatedly presents the theme of divine punishment for those who reject the message, with the refrain 'So how was My punishment and My warning?' occurring five times. This particular ayah falls within the context of reminding the Meccans that they have access to the historical accounts of 'Ad, Thamud, Pharaoh, and other nations whose destruction should serve as a clear warning to them.
Related Hadiths
The concept of learning from the stories of past nations is emphasized in Surah Yusuf 12:111, and in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: 'The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it,' which encompasses understanding the cautionary tales within it.
Themes
Key Lesson
The Quran provides clear warnings through historical examples for those who will listen and reflect; modern believers should study the stories of past peoples' rejection and punishment as a means of strengthening their own faith and avoiding the pitfalls that led others to destruction.