Surah Hud — Verse 76

Word Meanings:

• A'rid (أَعْرِضْ): Turn away, desist, or withdraw from.
• Amru Rabbika (أَمْرُ رَبِّكَ): The decree and command of your Lord.
• Ātīhim (آتِيهِمْ): Coming upon them, befalling them.
• Ghayru mardūd (غَيْرُ مَرْدُودٍ): Not to be repelled, averted, or turned back.

Explanation of the Verse:

The angels addressed Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) with gentle firmness, saying: "O Ibrahim, cease this argument and plea on behalf of the people of Lut. The matter has already been decided by your Lord, and His decree has been issued. The punishment that has been destined for them is now inevitable — it will descend upon them, and no intercession, argument, or supplication can avert it. The time for mercy has passed, for they have persisted in their transgression and rejected every warning."

This verse teaches us a profound lesson about the boundaries of intercession and the finality of divine decree. Prophet Ibrahim, despite his deep compassion and mercy — which is a hallmark of his noble character — had to accept that when Allah's command is issued, it is absolute and irreversible. His love for his nephew Lut's people and his hope for their guidance could not override the justice that they had earned through their persistent sinfulness.

The verse also highlights the honor bestowed upon Ibrahim, as the angels addressed him directly and explained the situation with respect and clarity. It demonstrates that even the most beloved of Allah's prophets cannot change what has been decreed, and that Allah's wisdom encompasses both mercy and justice in perfect measure.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This verse carries a powerful reminder for us all: Allah's mercy is vast beyond comprehension, but so is His justice. The people of Lut were given numerous opportunities to reform, yet they chose to persist in their corruption. When the decree of punishment comes, no one can avert it. This should inspire us to seize the opportunity of repentance while the door is still open, and to never delay our return to Allah. It also teaches us to balance our compassion with acceptance of Allah's wisdom — we should love good for people and pray for them, but we must never question Allah's decisions or feel that His justice is flawed. Let this be a call to reflect on our own lives: are we among those who heed warnings and turn back to Allah, or do we delay until it is too late? The Qur'an repeatedly reminds us that the door of repentance is open until the decree is issued — so let us hasten to it before the command of Allah arrives.