كَذَّبَتْ قَبْلَهُمْ قَوْمُ نُوحٍ وَأَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلرَّسِّ وَثَمُودُ 12
Translations
The people of Noah denied before them, and the companions of the well and Thamūd
Transliteration
Kazzabat qablahum qawmu Noohin wa ashaab ar-rassi wa Thamuud
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah highlights the pattern of rejection and disbelief among previous nations who denied their prophets' messages. The people of Noah, the inhabitants of ar-Rass, and Thamud all rejected the truth brought to them, serving as historical warnings. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse emphasizes that denial of divine signs is not a new phenomenon but a recurring tragedy throughout human history, meant to instill fear and reflection in those witnessing similar signs in their own time.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan surah Qaf, which addresses the themes of resurrection, divine power, and warnings to disbelievers. The context of Surah Qaf involves reminding the Meccan pagans of past destroyed nations as a warning that they too will face accountability. This specific verse is part of a series of examples (continuing through verses 12-14) of nations destroyed due to their rejection of prophetic guidance.
Related Hadiths
The theme relates to Surah Al-Fajr (89:5-14) which details the destruction of 'Ad, Thamud, and Pharaoh's people. Additionally, hadith in Tirmidhi and others document that the Prophet ﷺ warned the Quraysh by recounting stories of destroyed peoples as admonitions against disbelief.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that rejection of divine guidance consistently leads to destruction, and those witnessing clear signs today should learn from these cautionary tales rather than repeat the mistakes of previous generations. It instills humility and obedience by showing that no nation is exempt from accountability, regardless of their strength or numbers.