Tafsir & Commentary
The Poets (الشعراء) · Meccan
إِذْ قَالَ لَهُمْ أَخُوهُمْ صَـٰلِحٌ أَلَا تَتَّقُونَ142
26:142
Translation — Sahih International
When their brother Ṣāliḥ said to them, "Will you not fear Allāh?
Transliteration
Idh qala lahum akhuhum Salihun ala tattaqun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah depicts Prophet Salih calling upon his people, the Thamud, reminding them to adopt taqwa (God-consciousness and fear of Allah). Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that Salih addresses them as "akhuhum" (their brother) to emphasize kinship and compassion in his da'wah, while simultaneously questioning why they do not fear Allah despite clear signs and warnings. This rhetorical question serves as both exhortation and gentle rebuke, inviting them toward righteousness before divine punishment.
Revelation Context (Asbab al-Nuzul)
This ayah is part of Surah Ash-Shu'ara's recounting of the story of Prophet Salih and the people of Thamud. The surah itself is Meccan and was revealed to comfort Prophet Muhammad and remind the Quraysh of the fate of those who rejected their messengers. Salih's message to Thamud parallels Muhammad's call to the Quraysh, serving as both historical narrative and prophetic lesson.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim (2285) mentions that the people of Thamud hamstrung the she-camel despite Salih's warnings, illustrating their rejection of taqwa despite their prophet's repeated calls. Additionally, Jami' at-Tirmidhi contains traditions about the destruction of Thamud as a consequence of rejecting the message.
Themes
Key Lessons
Effective spiritual guidance combines empathy with directness—Salih addresses his people with familial warmth while challenging them to embrace taqwa. Believers today should recognize that calls to righteousness stem from genuine concern for others' spiritual wellbeing, not judgmentalism.