Surah Ash-Shu'ara — Verse 142

Word Meanings:

• Akhūhum (أَخُوهُمْ): Their brother — meaning their brother in lineage and kinship, not in religion, as he was one of them by blood.
• Ṣāliḥ (صَالِحٌ): The Prophet Ṣāliḥ, peace be upon him, sent to the people of Thamūd.
• Alā tattaqūn (أَلَا تَتَّقُونَ): Will you not fear Allah and be mindful of Him? — i.e., will you not protect yourselves from His punishment by obeying Him and avoiding His disobedience?

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse recounts the call of Prophet Ṣāliḥ (peace be upon him) to his people, the Thamūd. He addressed them with the most intimate and compassionate term — "their brother" — reminding them that he was one of them, not a stranger, and that his concern for them was genuine. He asked them: "Will you not fear Allah and be conscious of Him?" — meaning, will you not abandon your worship of idols and false gods, and turn exclusively to the worship of Allah alone, out of reverence for His might and fear of His punishment?

This was not a harsh or arrogant call, but a gentle, heartfelt invitation. Ṣāliḥ did not come to them with worldly ambitions or personal gain. He came as a sincere advisor, a brother who cared for their salvation. His question was rhetorical, designed to awaken their innate conscience and reason — for how could a people who believed in a Creator continue to worship carved stones and deaf idols? How could they not fear the One who created them, sustains them, and holds their destinies in His Hands?

The verse also carries a timeless lesson for all of humanity: the call to Allah must be built on sincerity, gentleness, and a deep sense of brotherhood with those we invite. The Prophet Ṣāliḥ did not begin with threats or force; he began with a question that invited reflection: "Will you not fear Allah?" — a question that every soul must answer for itself.

A Call to Reflection:

Dear reader, this verse is not merely a historical account — it is a living message for you and me. It asks us today: Do we truly fear Allah in our actions, our words, and our hearts? Do we live with taqwā (God-consciousness) as our guiding principle? The path of taqwā is the path of peace, success, and salvation in this life and the Hereafter. Just as Ṣāliḥ called his people to this noble quality, the Qur’an calls us today to embrace it. Let us not be like those who heard the truth and turned away; rather, let us be among those who respond with sincerity, humility, and obedience. For indeed, the one who fears Allah is never lost, and the one who turns to Him is never abandoned.