Az-Zukhruf (Ornaments of gold)

24. [Their Prophet] said, “[Would you desist from following your ancestors’ footsteps] if I bring you better guidance than that which you found your fathers following?” They said: “Indeed we disbelieve in that with which you have been sent.”

25. Therefore, We took revenge on them then see what was the end of those who denied [monotheism].

It is worthy of note that one may offer a better alternative in forbidding evil;

(“I bring you better guidance”).

One method of the presentation of a school of thought is to compare and contrast the teachings of different schools. In their Calls, prophets made use of reason and intellection where as their opponents resorted to tribalism and imitation.

The point is that taking revenge and violence in their appropriate places are not inconsistent with Divine Mercy and Grace.

According to the last two Verses their prophets inquired them to make use of their intellection to perceive if prophets provide them with a better course leading to righteousness and felicity they must acknowledge the truth and thereby benefit from Divine Favors. However, they turned away from Divine Guidance and went to extremes in the persecution of prophets.

They were so entangled with tribalism, vanity, and enmity that they were not supposed to turn to Divine Guidance rather regarding them the Holy Quran says:

“[They are] the deaf, dumb, and blind. Therefore, they do not understand”1 .

Then it was the proper season for taking revenge;

(“Therefore, We took revenge on them”)

and they were subject to Divine Wrath and they were afflicted with diverse torments such as drowning, tempest, and icy gale.

The Noble Prophet (S) is here addressed thus:

“See what was the end of those who denied [monotheism].”

It is apparently addressed to the Noble Prophet (S) but it implies a warning to polytheists and disbelievers.