Surah As-Saffat — Verse 138

Word Meanings:

• وَبِاللَّيْلِ (And at night): Meaning, you pass by their ruined dwellings during the night as well.
• أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ (Do you not then use your reason?): Meaning, do you not reflect and draw lessons from what you see?

Tafsir (Explanation):

O people of Makkah, you pass by the remnants of the destroyed dwellings of the people of Prophet Lut (peace be upon him) during your journeys—both in the morning and at night. You see with your own eyes the traces of their punishment and the ruins left behind as a sign of Allah's wrath upon them for their disbelief, their denial of the truth, and their commission of that abominable sin that no nation before them had ever committed.

So do you not use your intellect? Do you not reflect upon what befell those who came before you? Do you not take heed and fear that a similar punishment might strike you for your own disbelief and disobedience? Indeed, the one who reflects with a sound mind upon the fate of the wicked cannot remain heedless. The destruction of those who came before is a living lesson for those who come after—if only they would ponder.

A Da'wah Reflection:

Dear reader, how often do we pass by the signs of Allah's power and punishment without a moment's reflection? The ruins of past nations stand as silent witnesses to the truth that Allah's promise is real and His punishment is severe. Yet, in His infinite mercy, Allah has made these signs visible to us so that we might return to Him before it is too late. The Qur'an repeatedly calls us to use our intellect—the very faculty that distinguishes us—to see the truth and act upon it. Let us not be among those who see but do not observe, who hear but do not listen, and who pass by the lessons of history while remaining blind to their meaning. Open your heart, reflect deeply, and let the fate of those before you guide you to the straight path—the path of repentance, faith, and righteousness. For Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful to those who turn back to Him.