وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُم مِّن قَرْنٍ هَلْ تُحِسُّ مِنْهُم مِّنْ أَحَدٍ أَوْ تَسْمَعُ لَهُمْ رِكْزًۢا 98
Translations
And how many have We destroyed before them of generations? Do you perceive of them anyone or hear from them a sound?
Transliteration
Wa-kam ahlaknā qablahum min qarnim hal tuhissu minhum min ahadin aw tasma'u lahum rikzā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah reminds the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the believers of the many generations and nations destroyed before them due to their rejection of Allah's signs and messengers. The rhetorical questions—"Do you perceive from them anyone, or do you hear from them a sound?"—emphasize the complete obliteration of these past peoples, leaving no trace or evidence of their existence. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as a warning to the Quraysh and a consolation to the Prophet that Allah's punishment of the arrogant is inevitable and total, while Al-Tabari notes the emphasis on the finality of their destruction.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan Surah Maryam, which was revealed during the period of intense opposition to the Prophet in Mecca. The broader context of this surah addresses the disbelievers' mockery and rejection, and this particular ayah serves as a stark reminder of historical precedent—that previous nations who rejected their prophets were utterly destroyed, with no remnant of their civilization remaining to bear witness.
Related Hadiths
The theme relates to Hadith Qudsi in which Allah reminds of His judgment on past nations. Also relevant: Surah Al-Anfal 8:38 (in Sahih Muslim) where the Prophet mentions how past nations were destroyed for their sins, serving as a warning to those who persist in disbelief.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that those who persistently reject Allah's message will face complete annihilation, leaving no trace of their legacy—a sobering reminder for believers to reflect on history and not repeat the mistakes of past generations who arrogantly rejected their prophets.