Note: It may be added for information of our readers that Prophet Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is said to be nephew of Prophet Abraham (Ibraheem عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Prophet Abraham himself is said to have been a descendant of Nuh through his son Shem.
Continuing with the height of wickedness of his people, and when it reached to an unbearable limit, the revered prophet supplicated to Allah for his and family's protection by saying:
رَبِّ نَجِّنِىۡ وَاَهۡلِىۡ مِمَّا يَعۡمَلُوۡنَ
(26:169) My Lord, deliver me and my family from their wicked deeds."
To fully understand verse 169 of Surah Ash-Shu'ara (26:169), it's important to consider it within the broader context of the Surah and the story of Prophet Lot (Lut).
Context of Surah Ash-Shu'ara
Surah Ash-Shu'ara recounts the stories of various prophets to illustrate their struggles, their call to righteousness, and the eventual consequences faced by their communities when they rejected divine guidance. The Surah uses these narratives to emphasize the themes of divine justice, the importance of heeding prophetic messages, and the consequences of moral corruption.
The Story of Prophet Lot (Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)
Prophet Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is a key figure in this Surah, particularly in the sections related to the destruction of his people. Here's a more detailed context:
- The People of Prophet Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ's Immorality: The people of Prophet Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ were engaged in grave sins, including sexual immorality and rejecting the teachings of Prophet Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. Their behavior was considered abominable, particularly the practice of same-sex relations, which was widely condemned in the Quran.
- Mission of Prophet Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ: He was sent to guide his people back to righteousness, but they persisted in their sinful ways and even threatened him with violence. Despite his efforts, his message was met with resistance and hostility.
- Divine Punishment: As a result of their persistent wickedness, Allah decreed the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This punishment was a manifestation of divine justice against the moral corruption that had taken root.
Verse 169 in Context
In the context of the Surah, verse 169 is part of plea of Prophet Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ for mercy amidst the impending destruction:
- Before the Verse: Prior to verse 169, the Surah describes how Allah had sent angels to Prophet Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ to inform him of the forthcoming punishment and to instruct him to leave the city with his family. The narrative highlights the sinful nature of Lot's people and the divine decision to destroy them.
- After the Verse: After this plea, the narrative continues with the actual destruction of the cities. Prophet Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and his family are instructed to leave quickly, and the punishment is executed as foretold.
Significance of the Verse
- Plea for Protection: Plea of Prophet Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ in this verse reflects his concern for the safety of himself and his family in the face of divine retribution. It underscores the importance of seeking Allah’s protection in times of crisis.
- Human Concern: The verse humanizes Prophet Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, showing his deep care for his loved ones and his hope for divine mercy, even in the face of judgment.
- Divine Justice: It emphasizes that divine justice is not arbitrary but responds to the moral state of a society. The destruction of Lot's people was a direct consequence of their refusal to repent and their continued sinful behavior.
In summary, verse 169 of Surah Ash-Shu'ara is a poignant moment in the story of Prophet Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, capturing his earnest request for divine protection for himself and his family amidst the impending divine punishment of his community. It serves as a reminder of the themes of divine justice and mercy in the Quranic narrative.
This also guides to make supplications as made by the prophets for our safety against the wicked and the bad character people and demagogues to invoke mercy of Allah lest harm comes to us and our families.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Invocations / Dua " دُعا " from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from following sources:
- Towards Understanding the Quran
- Tafsir Ibn Khatir
- Muhammad Asad Translation
- Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
- Al-Quran, Yusuf Ali Translation
- Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle
In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.
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