كَذَّبَتْ قَوْمُ لُوطٍ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ 160
Translations
The people of Lot denied the messengers
Transliteration
Kaththabat qawmu Luwtin al-mursalin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that the people of Lot rejected the messengers, referring specifically to their rejection of Lot (Lut) as a messenger sent to them. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this rejection was not merely disbelief in Lot individually, but a rejection of the message of monotheism and righteous conduct he preached. The use of the plural 'messengers' (al-mursalin) suggests a principle: rejection of one messenger is tantamount to rejecting the divine message itself and the institution of prophethood.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ash-Shu'ara, a Meccan surah that recounts stories of various prophets and the rejection they faced from their people. The surah follows a repetitive pattern documenting how different communities rejected their messengers. This ayah specifically addresses the narrative of Prophet Lot's people and their stubborn denial, serving as a warning to the Meccan audience about the consequences of rejecting divine guidance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said regarding the people of Lot: 'The people most deserving of punishment on the Day of Judgment are those who commit the actions of the people of Lot.' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, Hadith Qudsi relates that Allah mentioned His wrath upon those who commit such transgressions and reject His messengers.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that rejecting God's messengers and their warnings about moral conduct leads to severe divine punishment, as exemplified by the destruction of Lot's people. For contemporary believers, it emphasizes the importance of accepting prophetic guidance on ethical matters and recognizing that rejection of truth, regardless of how it is presented, invites divine retribution.