قَالَ لَوْ أَنَّ لِى بِكُمْ قُوَّةً أَوْ ءَاوِىٓ إِلَىٰ رُكْنٍ شَدِيدٍ 80
Translations
He said, "If only I had against you some power or could take refuge in a strong support."
Transliteration
Qala law anna li bikum quwwatan aw awa ila ruknin shadid
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Lot (Lut) expresses his helplessness and weakness in the face of his people's evil, saying he wishes he had strength to oppose them or could seek refuge with a powerful support. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as Lot's sincere acknowledgment of his inability to prevent his people's abomination, reflecting his desperation and moral anguish. This statement demonstrates the profound difficulty of the prophetic mission when confronted with a society bent on sin, and Lot's trust that only Allah's aid could deliver him and the believers.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Lot and his people in Surah Hud, where Lot attempts to dissuade the men of Sodom from their immoral practices. The broader context describes how Lot's warnings were rejected, leading to his expression of despair about his inability to protect the believers among his people from the impending punishment.
Related Hadiths
The story of Lot's people is referenced in various hadiths discussing the greatest sins (kabair); notably, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) condemned the actions of Lot's people in multiple traditions found in Sunan Ibn Majah and Jami' at-Tirmidhi as among the most heinous transgressions.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that acknowledging our limitations and weaknesses in the face of evil is not a sign of failure, but rather an opening to rely completely upon Allah's strength and wisdom. Modern Muslims facing moral challenges in their communities should reflect on Lot's example—doing what is rightfully commanded while trusting Allah for the outcome, not the results themselves.
Related Ayahs
فَلَوْلَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْقُرُونِ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ أُو۟لُوا۟ بَقِيَّةٍ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلْفَسَادِ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِّمَّنْ أَنجَيْنَا مِنْهُمْ ۗ وَٱتَّبَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ مَآ أُتْرِفُوا۟ فِيهِ وَكَانُوا۟ مُجْرِمِينَ
So why were there not among the generations before you those of enduring discrimination forbidding corruption on earth - except a few of those We saved from among them? But those who wronged pursued what luxury they were given therein, and they were criminals.
إِنِّى تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رَبِّى وَرَبِّكُم ۚ مَّا مِن دَآبَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ ءَاخِذٌۢ بِنَاصِيَتِهَآ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
Indeed, I have relied upon Allāh, my Lord and your Lord. There is no creature but that He holds it by its forelock [i.e., controls it]. Indeed, my Lord is on a path [that is] straight.
وَقُل لِّلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ ٱعْمَلُوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَكَانَتِكُمْ إِنَّا عَـٰمِلُونَ
And say to those who do not believe, "Work according to your position; indeed, we are working.
قِيلَ يَـٰنُوحُ ٱهْبِطْ بِسَلَـٰمٍ مِّنَّا وَبَرَكَـٰتٍ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَىٰٓ أُمَمٍ مِّمَّن مَّعَكَ ۚ وَأُمَمٌ سَنُمَتِّعُهُمْ ثُمَّ يَمَسُّهُم مِّنَّا عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
It was said, "O Noah, disembark in security from Us and blessings upon you and upon nations [descending] from those with you. But other nations [of them] We will grant enjoyment; then there will touch them from Us a painful punishment."