Surah Ash-Shu'ara — Verse 124

Word Meanings:

• "أَخُوهُمْ" (their brother): Here it means brother in lineage and kinship, not in religion, for the people of 'Ad were the tribe of Hud (peace be upon him).
• "أَلَا تَتَّقُونَ" (Will you not fear Allah?): A rhetorical question urging them to have taqwa — meaning to fear Allah, obey His commands, and abstain from His prohibitions, particularly shirk (associating partners with Him).

Tafsir (Explanation):

Allah, the Exalted, recounts the story of Prophet Hud (peace be upon him) and his people, the tribe of 'Ad. When Hud was sent to them as a messenger, he addressed them with the most profound and compassionate call — a call rooted in brotherhood and sincere concern for their welfare. He said to them: "Will you not fear Allah?" — meaning, will you not revere His majesty, dread His punishment, and purify your worship for Him alone?

This was not merely a question; it was an invitation to reflect. Hud (peace be upon him) was asking them: How can you worship idols and false deities when you know that Allah alone is the Creator, the Sustainer, and the Only One worthy of worship? How can you feel secure from His punishment while you persist in your transgression?

The call of Hud was gentle yet firm, filled with mercy and love for his people. He did not begin with threats or harshness; rather, he appealed to their innate sense of God-consciousness — that inner voice that every human being possesses, which knows that there is a Creator and that we are accountable to Him. He was, in essence, awakening their fitrah (natural disposition) and reminding them of what their own hearts already knew to be true.

This verse teaches us a timeless lesson: the best way to invite others to the path of Allah is with compassion, sincerity, and a reminder of taqwa. When we call people to goodness, we should do so as a loving brother or sister — not as a judge or an enemy. We should appeal to their better nature and remind them that Allah is watching over them, and that true success lies in turning back to Him.

A Da'wah Reflection:

Dear reader, this beautiful call of Prophet Hud echoes through the ages and reaches your heart today. "Will you not fear Allah?" — this is not a question of intimidation, but of love. It is an invitation to peace, to purpose, and to a life filled with meaning. When you fear Allah in the true sense — when you are conscious that He sees you, hears you, and knows what is in your heart — you will find a tranquility that no worldly pleasure can provide. You will find the strength to leave sins behind, the courage to stand for truth, and the light to guide your steps.

So ask yourself today: Am I living a life that pleases my Creator? Am I conscious of His presence in every moment? Let this verse be a turning point — a moment where you answer the call of Hud, and every prophet before and after him, by saying: "Yes, my Lord, I fear You, and I submit to You alone." That is the path of true success, in this life and the next.