وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمُعَذَّبِينَ 138
Translations
And we are not to be punished."
Transliteration
Wa mā naḥnu bimu'adhdhābīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah records the arrogant rejection of the people of 'Ad when confronted with the warning of Prophet Hud. They defiantly proclaimed that they would not be punished, displaying their disbelief and haughtiness toward Allah's message. According to classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, this statement represents the peak of their obstinacy and rejection, as they dismissed the possibility of divine retribution despite clear signs and warnings.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the narrative of Prophet Hud and his people, the 'Ad. The surah describes how Hud warned his people to abandon idolatry and polytheism, yet they responded with mockery and false confidence in their strength and wealth, exemplifying the pattern of human rebellion against divine guidance that recurs throughout Meccan surahs.
Related Hadiths
Thematically related: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'The most disliked person to Allah is the most proud person' (Sahih Bukhari). Also relevant: 'No one who has arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise' (Sahih Muslim 91), reflecting the spiritual danger of the arrogance displayed in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah warns against the spiritual danger of arrogance and complacency, reminding us that rejecting divine warnings based on false confidence in worldly power or numbers leads inevitably to destruction. Modern believers should reflect on how pride blinds people to truth and leave room for humility before Allah's signs.