Surah Ash-Shu'ara — Verse 171

Word Meanings:

• ʿAjūz (عَجُوزًا): An old, elderly woman — specifically referring to the wife of Prophet Lūṭ (Lot), peace be upon him.
• Al-Ghābirīn (الْغَابِرِينَ): Those who remain behind, stay on, or are left to perish — i.e., those who are overtaken by the punishment and destruction.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse concludes the account of Prophet Lūṭ (peace be upon him) and the destruction of his people. After Allah Almighty saved Lūṭ and his family — those who believed in his message and followed his call — He made an exception: *"except an old woman among those who remained behind."* This old woman was Lūṭ’s own wife, who had disbelieved in her husband’s prophethood and sided with her people in their corruption and wickedness. She did not share the faith of her household, and therefore she was not granted salvation. Instead, she was left with the disbelievers to face the terrible punishment — the rain of stones and the overturning of their cities — as a consequence of her rejection and betrayal.

A Call to Reflection and Faith:

This verse carries a profound lesson for every soul: salvation is not inherited by blood or kinship, but earned through faith and righteous deeds. The wife of a prophet — living in his very home, witnessing his truthfulness and the signs of Allah — still perished because her heart was closed to the truth. How then can anyone rely on the piety of others, on family ties, or on a noble lineage, while neglecting their own relationship with Allah? Dear reader, let this be a wake-up call: your faith is your own, and your deeds are your own. No one can intercede for you on that Day if you abandon the path of Allah. Embrace the light of Islam, hold fast to it sincerely, and fear not the loss of worldly ties — for the companionship of Allah and His righteous servants is the true success. And know that Allah’s mercy is vast for those who turn to Him, but His justice is certain for those who persist in disbelief. Choose today to be among the saved, not among the ghabirīn — those left behind in ruin.