Juz 27: Adh-Dhāriyāt 31 to Al-Ḥadīd
Section 2 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
2. Continuation of the Story of Prophet Ibrahim and Lut | Verses: Adh-Dhariyat 51:31-37
Surah Adh-Dhariyat continues in Juz 27 with the narrative of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and the angelic visitors who came to him before proceeding to the people of Prophet Lut (peace be upon him). This narrative illustrates Allah's mercy toward His believing servants and His justice toward the transgressors.
The passage begins with the angels asking Ibrahim about their mission:
قَالَ فَمَا خَطْبُكُمْ أَيُّهَا الْمُرْسَلُونَ
“He said, "Then, what is your mission, O messengers?”
Ibrahim (peace be upon him) recognized that these were not ordinary guests but messengers sent by Allah (swt). The angels revealed their purpose:
قَالُوا إِنَّا أُرْسِلْنَا إِلَىٰ قَوْمٍ مُّجْرِمِينَ
“They said, "We have been sent to a sinful people,”
لِنُرْسِلَ عَلَيْهِمْ حِجَارَةً مِّن طِينٍ
“that we may send down upon them stones of clay,”
مُّسَوَّمَةً عِندَ رَبِّكَ لِلْمُسْرِفِينَ
“marked, with your Lord, for the transgressors.”
The angels informed Ibrahim (peace be upon him) that they were sent to bring divine punishment upon the sinful people of Lut. These people had committed grave transgressions that warranted divine intervention. The stones were specially marked by Allah (swt), demonstrating that the punishment was precisely targeted at those who deserved it, not random or indiscriminate.
The next verses detail what happened after this revelation:
فَأَخْرَجْنَا مَن كَانَ فِيهَا مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
“So We brought out the believers who were there.”
Allah (swt) in His mercy ensured that the believers would not suffer the same fate as the transgressors. This demonstrates a fundamental principle of divine justice: Allah (swt) distinguishes between the righteous and the wrongdoers, and does not punish the former along with the latter.
فَمَا وَجَدْنَا فِيهَا غَيْرَ بَيْتٍ مِّنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
“But We did not find there any Muslim household except one.”
This verse reveals the extent of disbelief and corruption among the people of Lut. Despite his years of calling them to truth and virtue, only a single household had submitted to Allah's guidance. This underscores the depth of their rejection and the justification for the punishment that was to befall them.
وَتَرَكْنَا فِيهَا آيَةً لِّلَّذِينَ يَخَافُونَ الْعَذَابَ الْأَلِيمَ
“And We left therein a sign for those who fear the painful punishment.”
The destruction of this transgressing nation was not merely punitive; it served as a lasting sign and warning for future generations. Allah (swt) preserved the story and perhaps physical evidence of their destruction as a reminder to those who are mindful of divine accountability and fearful of punishment for wrongdoing.
This passage highlights several important theological principles. First, it demonstrates Allah's perfect justice—punishment is sent only after repeated warnings, only to those who persist in transgression, and only after removing the righteous from harm's way. Second, it illustrates the sad reality that sometimes only a tiny minority responds to divine guidance, even in the face of clear signs and dedicated prophetic efforts. Finally, it shows that historical events serve a purpose beyond their immediate context, becoming lessons and warnings for later generations.
The narrative also connects to later passages in this juz where other nations who faced divine punishment are mentioned, establishing a pattern of divine engagement with human societies that reject His messengers and violate His boundaries.