Surah Al-Hijr — Verse 58

Word Meanings:

• "Qawm mujrimin" — a people who are criminals, deeply entrenched in sin and transgression, particularly those who commit grave offenses against Allah's commands.

Tafsir (Explanation):

The angels, who had come to Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) as honored guests, revealed the true purpose of their mission when he expressed his concern about them. They said: "Indeed, we have been sent by Allah to a people who are criminals." These were the people of Prophet Lut (Lot), peace be upon him, who inhabited the city of Sodom. They were a people whose wickedness had reached an unprecedented level — they had turned away from the natural disposition Allah instilled in humanity, committing abominable acts that no creation before them had ever dared to commit. Their crime was not a minor slip or a passing mistake; it was a persistent, defiant transgression against the clear boundaries set by their Lord. The angels clarified that they were not sent for any trivial matter, but for a decisive punishment upon these persistent wrongdoers — except for Lut and his believing household, whom Allah had decreed to save from the impending doom.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This verse carries a profound lesson for every believer: Allah's justice is absolute, and His punishment is certain for those who persist in sin after receiving clear warnings. Yet, in the very same breath, we see His mercy — for He saved the righteous among them. The angels' words remind us that Allah does not punish a people until they have been warned, and when punishment does come, it is precisely targeted at the criminals, sparing the believers. This should fill our hearts with both hope and fear: hope, because Allah always protects His sincere servants even amid the destruction of the wicked; and fear, because no sin is hidden from Him, and persistence in transgression leads to a painful end. Let this inspire you to examine your own life — if you find yourself drifting toward sin, turn back to Allah in sincere repentance before His decree overtakes you. And if you are striving to remain steadfast, know that Allah sees your struggle and will never abandon you, just as He saved Lut and his family from the torment that engulfed their people.