إِن كَانَتْ إِلَّا صَيْحَةً وَٰحِدَةً فَإِذَا هُمْ خَـٰمِدُونَ 29
Translations
It was not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished.
Transliteration
In kānat illā sayhah wāhidah fa-idhā hum khāmidūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the destruction of the people of 'Ād who rejected their prophet Hūd. A single blast or cry (sayhah) from Allah destroyed them entirely, leaving them lifeless and extinguished (khāmidūn). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that this refers to a devastating wind or sound that annihilated the disbelieving nation, serving as a tangible punishment for their arrogance and rejection of divine guidance.
Revelation Context
This verse occurs within Surah Yā-Sīn's narrative recounting the stories of previous nations destroyed for rejecting their messengers. It is part of the broader account of 'Ād's destruction (verses 38-29), illustrating how swiftly and completely Allah's punishment befalls those who persist in disbelief despite clear warnings from His prophets.
Related Hadiths
The destruction of 'Ād is referenced in Sahih Bukhari and other collections where the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned the powerful wind that destroyed them. A relevant hadith in Sunan Ibn Mājah describes how this wind lasted for eight days and nights, correlating with Quranic references to 'Ād's catastrophic end.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that rejecting divine truth brings inevitable and sometimes swift consequences, while emphasizing the futility of opposing Allah's will no matter how powerful one's civilization may seem. It should inspire humility before Allah's commands and gratitude for the guidance of His messengers.