Surah Al-Anbiya — Verse 95

Word Meanings:

• Harām (حَرَامٌ): Here it means "impossible" or "forbidden" in the sense of being prevented and unattainable, not in the sense of religious prohibition.
• Qaryah (قَرْيَةٍ): A town or city; here it refers to the inhabitants of a town that was destroyed.
• Ahlaknāhā (أَهْلَكْنَاهَا): We destroyed it — referring to divine punishment upon a community due to their persistent disbelief and wrongdoing.
• Lā Yarji‘ūn (لَا يَرْجِعُونَ): They will not return — meaning they cannot come back to this worldly life.

Explanation of the Verse:

This noble verse establishes a firm and decisive divine decree: it is absolutely impossible and eternally forbidden for any community that has been destroyed by Allah’s punishment — due to their stubborn disbelief, tyranny, and rejection of His messengers — to return to this world before the Day of Resurrection. Their opportunity for repentance in this life has closed forever. When divine punishment descends upon a people, their fate is sealed; they will not be given another chance to come back and make amends for what they neglected or to mend their ways.

The verse carries two profound meanings. First, it refutes the delusion of those who denied the Resurrection and thought that once destroyed, they would simply cease to exist with no accountability. Allah clarifies that although they will not return to this worldly life, they most certainly will be resurrected and gathered on the Day of Judgment to face the full consequences of their deeds. Their destruction in this world is not the end; rather, it is the beginning of a greater reckoning. Second, the verse emphasizes that the door of repentance is sealed once a community has been destroyed by divine wrath — they cannot return to the world to repent and have their repentance accepted, for the time of trial has passed.

This verse also serves as a powerful reminder of Allah’s absolute justice and wisdom. He does not destroy any community except after sending clear warnings and giving ample opportunities to believe. When they persist in evil, His decree becomes inevitable, and His justice demands that they be held accountable in the Hereafter.

A Da‘wah Reflection:

Dear reader, this verse invites you to reflect on the fleeting nature of this life and the certainty of the Hereafter. Allah, in His infinite mercy, has kept the door of repentance open for you right now — today, in this very moment, before death approaches or divine punishment strikes. Do not be like those who delayed until it was too late. The Qur’an repeatedly calls you to turn back to your Lord while you still have time, for after death there is no return, and after the sealing of fate there is no second chance. Embrace this precious opportunity, purify your heart, and draw closer to Allah through sincere repentance and righteous deeds. The One who created you and knows your every breath is waiting for you to return to Him — and His mercy is greater than all your sins. Do not let this moment slip away, for tomorrow may never come.