[40].Surah Al Mumin (The Believer) also known as Surah Ghafir [The Forgiver]: Ayat 021

২১. তারা কি দেশ-বিদেশ ভ্রমণ করে না, যাতে দেখত তাদের পূর্বসুরিদের কি পরিণাম হয়েছে? তাদের শক্তি ও কীর্তি পৃথিবীতে এদের অপেক্ষা অধিকতর ছিল। অতঃপর আল্লাহ তাদেরকে তাদের গোনাহের কারণে ধৃত করেছিলেন এবং আল্লাহ থেকে তাদেরকে রক্ষাকারী কেউ হয়নি।

Ayat 21. Have they not travelled in the land and seen what was the end of those who were before them? They were superior to them in strength, and in the traces (which they left) in the land. But Allah seized them with punishment for their sins. And none had they to protect them from Allah.

Tafseer of Surah Al Mumin (The Believer) Ayat 21. Do they not travel through the earth and see whatwas the End of those before them? They were even superior to them in strength, and in the traces (they Have left) in the land: but Allah did call them to account for their sins, and none had they to defend them against Allah. Cf. 30:9. And several other similar passages. 30:9. we can learn from the history of previous nations. Many of them were more powerful, or have left finer and more imposing monuments and made a deeper impression on the world around them than any particular generation addressed. "Traces" in the text may be taken in that extended sense. And yet all this did not save them from the consequences of their sins. They were called to account and punished. None of the power or pomp or skill of which they boasted could for a moment ward off the punishment when it came in Allah's good time (Cf. 40:82).

Hazrat Ibn Umer (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: when Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH), and his Companions reached Al-Hijr, the dwellings of the Thamud people, he admonished his Companions (saying), "Do not pass by these people who are being tormented, without weeping, lest the punishment should befall you as it had befallen them.'' [Al-Bukhari Book 04, Chapter 55, Hadith # 564].

Another narration is: Hazrat Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said: When the Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) passed near Al-Hijr, he said, "Do not enter without weeping, the dwellings of those who wronged themselves, lest the same chastisement should fall upon you as it had fallen upon them.'' Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) then covered his head and sped up until he crossed the valley of the tormented people.

Lesson: as mentioned above in Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Al-Mumin Ayat 21. Have they not travelled in the land and seen what was the end of those who were before them?” The Thamud were the people to whose guidance Allah sent Prophet Saleh PBUH. They lived between Al-Madinah and Syria. In 10 A.H. when the Prophet [SAWW](PBUH) went to the Syrian border for the Tabuk expedition, he also passed through this ruined territory. This Hadith is related to the address which he gave to his Companions on the occasion. Here is an instruction that when we happen to pass through the territory of a nation destroyed in the past as a result of Divine wrath, we are advised to quicken one's pace. That is why we have been commanded to avoid the company of the corrupt and the wrongdoers, lest we meet their bad end, too. As the Qur'an says: "And incline not toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire should touch you.'' (11:113) May Allah saves us from it!