As-Sajda (The Prostration)

26. “Does it not point out to them the right way, how many of the generations, in whose abodes they go about, did We destroy before them? Verily in that are signs: do they not then hear?”

The people of Mecca were aware of the destruction of the former nations and the remaining traces of theirs existed in the roads wherein they used to pass by, but they did not take an example.

The previous verses contained threats upon the faithless sinners, and the verse under discussion is also an explanation and a completion upon this threat.

It says:

“Does it not point out to them the right way, how many of the generations, in whose abodes they go about, did We destroy before them?…”

The afflicted lands of ‘Ad and Thamud and the ruined cities of the People of Lot were located on their way towards Syria.

These lands were once the central place of some powerful nations who were also misguided and polluted. Their prophets constantly warned them, but they did not change their manner and, finally, the Divine punishment annihilated them.

Whenever they pass across these lands they hear the shout of the gravels of that desert and the sounds of their ruined castles which have hundred tongues and reiterate the result of infidelity and pollution for them, but they react as if they have entirely lost their hearing ears.

Therefore, at the end of this noble verse, the Holy Qur’an continues saying:

“…Verily in that are signs: do they not then hear?”