وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُم مِّن قَرْنٍ هُمْ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُم بَطْشًا فَنَقَّبُوا۟ فِى ٱلْبِلَـٰدِ هَلْ مِن مَّحِيصٍ 36
Translations
And how many a generation before them did We destroy who were greater than them in [striking] power and had explored throughout the lands. Is there any place of escape?
Transliteration
Wa-kam ahlaknā qablahum min qarnim hum ashaddu minhum batshan fanaqqabū fil-bilādi hal min mahīs
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah reminds the Quraysh and all humanity that Allah has destroyed many generations before them who were even mightier and more powerful in warfare and strength, yet their dominance could not save them from divine punishment. Despite their ability to traverse and explore the lands, they found no escape (mahīs) from Allah's decree. Ibn Kathir notes this serves as a warning that material strength and earthly power are insufficient against Allah's will, and that the destruction of past nations is a clear sign for those who reflect.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Qaf, a Meccan chapter focused on the Hereafter, Divine power, and lessons from destroyed nations. The broader context addresses the disbelievers' denial of resurrection and the consequences of rejecting the message. The ayah is part of a series recounting how previous civilizations (like 'Ād, Thamūd, and others) were destroyed despite their might, serving as a precedent for the Meccan disbelievers.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly references this specific verse, Sunan Ibn Majah and other collections contain hadiths about the destruction of previous nations and the importance of heeding their warnings. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them' (Sahih Bukhari), emphasizing the pattern of human decline mentioned in such destruction narratives.
Themes
Key Lesson
No amount of military might, wealth, or technological advancement can protect a people from Allah's punishment if they reject His message and persist in disobedience. Modern societies should heed this timeless warning by recognizing that true security lies in faith and obedience to Allah, not merely in material strength or geopolitical power.