وَلَقَدْ أَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكُمْ ءَايَـٰتٍ مُّبَيِّنَـٰتٍ وَمَثَلًا مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ خَلَوْا۟ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَمَوْعِظَةً لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ 34
Translations
And We have certainly sent down to you distinct verses and examples from those who passed on before you and an admonition for those who fear Allāh.
Transliteration
Wa-laqad anzalnā ilaikum āyātim mubayyinātinw wa-mathalanmim alladhīna khalaw min qablikum wa-maw'izatan lilmuttaqīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah has sent down to the Muslim ummah clear verses (Quranic signs), practical examples from the histories of previous nations, and moral admonitions specifically for the God-conscious. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this ayah emphasizes that the Quran serves multiple purposes: it provides clear legal guidance (āyāt mubayyināt), historical lessons from past peoples (amthāl), and spiritual reminders for those who truly fear Allah. Al-Qurtubi notes that the examples of previous nations are meant to warn against repeating their mistakes and to encourage righteous conduct.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah An-Nur (24), a Medinan surah primarily addressing social regulations and moral conduct. The broader context concerns various ethical and legal issues, and this ayah serves as a reminder that the Quran provides comprehensive guidance through multiple means: direct command, historical precedent, and moral counsel.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027), relating to the comprehensive nature of Quranic guidance. Also relevant: 'Indeed, in the stories of those before you is a lesson for those with understanding' (Sahih Muslim 2286, referencing Quran 12:111).
Themes
Key Lesson
The Quran addresses human beings through multiple channels—clear legislation, historical examples, and spiritual exhortation—to ensure comprehensive understanding and moral development. For modern believers, this teaches that guidance is available through study, reflection on history, and sincere seeking of divine wisdom, particularly for those who cultivate taqwā (God-consciousness).