Surah Ash-Shu'ara — Verse 168

Key Words and Their Meanings:

• "Al-Qaleen" (الْقَالِينَ): Those who are intensely hateful and deeply detest something. It is the plural form of "qali" (قَالٍ), meaning one who abhors and loathes.

Explanation of the Verse:

In this verse, Prophet Lut (peace be upon him) responds to his people after they insisted on their abominable act—approaching men with lust instead of women. He declares clearly and firmly: "Indeed, I am of those who intensely detest and abhor your deed."

This is not a mild disapproval or a polite disagreement; it is a profound, heartfelt revulsion. Lut uses the word "al-qaleen," which conveys a deep, visceral hatred for the sin itself—not hatred of the people as human beings, but hatred of the act they persist in. His words carry both moral clarity and emotional sincerity. He distances himself from their behavior entirely, showing that a believer must never compromise with sin, no matter how widespread or socially accepted it becomes.

The verse also reflects the courage of a prophet who stands alone against a corrupt society. Lut does not soften his stance to please them, nor does he remain silent out of fear. He speaks the truth with unwavering conviction, even though he knows his people may react with hostility. This is the essence of prophetic character: to prioritize Allah's command over human approval, and to express disgust for evil while still calling people toward good.

A Da'wah Reflection for the Reader:

This verse teaches us a timeless lesson about moral integrity. In every era, there are practices that society may normalize or even celebrate, yet which contradict the natural disposition (fitrah) that Allah instilled in us. As believers, we are called to hold firm to our principles, just as Lut did. We must hate the sin while loving the sinner—meaning we should never accept wrongdoing, but we should always leave the door open for repentance and guidance.

The story of Lut is not merely history; it is a living reminder that Allah's laws are unchanging and that His prophets were sent to every nation with the same core message: submit to Allah alone and avoid what He has forbidden. When we find ourselves in environments where sin is rampant, we should not despair or blend in. Instead, we should speak the truth with wisdom and kindness, and trust that Allah is with those who stand for righteousness.

Let this verse inspire you to examine your own heart: Are there sins you have begun to tolerate or even justify? Renew your commitment to detest what Allah detests, and seek His help to remain steadfast. Remember, the pleasure of Allah is far greater than the approval of any creation, and the ultimate victory belongs to those who fear Him.