إِلَّا عَجُوزًا فِى ٱلْغَـٰبِرِينَ 135
Translations
Except an old woman [i.e., his wife] among those who remained [with the evildoers].
Transliteration
Illa AAjoozan fee alghhabireena
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the wife of Lot (Lut), who remained behind with those who disbelieved and were destroyed. According to classical tafsir scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the phrase 'illa AAjoozan' (except an old woman) indicates that Lot's wife, despite being a believer's spouse, chose to stay with the disbelievers and thus perished in the punishment. Al-Qurtubi notes this demonstrates that lineage and marriage to a prophet provides no protection if one rejects faith, emphasizing personal accountability before Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the narrative of Prophet Lot and the destruction of the people of Sodom in Surah As-Saffat (verses 133-138). The surah's broader theme addresses the ranks of the angels and the punishment of those who reject the messengers. The specific context of this ayah illustrates the consequences of disbelief despite witnessing a messenger's warnings.
Related Hadiths
Surah At-Tahrim (66:10) contains related Quranic commentary on Lot's wife as an example of a disbeliever. Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim contain various hadiths about the destruction of the people of Lot and the universality of divine punishment regardless of family ties.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that faith is an individual choice and commitment—family ties or proximity to righteousness offer no refuge from divine justice if one turns away from truth. Believers must internalize their own conviction rather than relying solely on their association with righteous people.