Surah Hud — Verse 95

Word Meanings:

• لَمْ يَغْنَوْا – did not dwell/reside (i.e., as if they had never lived there)
• بُعْدًا – removal from mercy, destruction, perishing
• مَدْيَن – the people of Madyan (Midian), to whom Prophet Shu‘ayb (peace be upon him) was sent
• ثَمُود – the people of Thamud, to whom Prophet Salih (peace be upon him) was sent

Tafsir (Explanation):

After the devastating punishment struck the people of Madyan for their disbelief and corruption, the Qur’an paints a haunting picture: it was as if they had never lived, flourished, or enjoyed their homes at all. Their grand dwellings, their wealth, their gatherings — all vanished in an instant, leaving no trace of their former existence. The scene is one of utter annihilation, where even the memory of their presence is erased from the land.

Then comes the divine declaration: "Away with Madyan, just as Thamud was done away with!" This is a powerful statement of justice — both nations shared in the same fate of being cast far from Allah’s mercy, destroyed for their arrogance and rejection of the truth. The comparison with Thamud is deliberate: just as Thamud was cut off completely, so too was Madyan. Their punishment was not merely physical destruction but spiritual removal from all goodness and divine compassion.

This verse carries a profound lesson for every generation. It reminds us that worldly life is fleeting — no matter how strong, wealthy, or established a people may become, they remain utterly powerless before the will of Allah. The very homes that once sheltered them become silent ruins, and their names become a warning for those who reflect.

Dear reader, let this scene awaken your heart. The same Allah who destroyed these mighty nations is alive today, watching over His creation. He does not change His nature — His justice is certain, and His mercy is vast for those who turn to Him. Do not be deceived by the temporary glitter of this world. Build your life on faith, sincerity, and obedience to your Creator, so that you may never be among those who are cast away from His mercy. Indeed, the successful are those who learn from the past before the future becomes their own lesson.