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fa-qālū ʾa-basharan minnā wāḥidan nattabiʿuhū ʾinnā ʾidhan la-fī ḍalālin wa-suʿurin
and they said, ‘Are we to follow a lone human from ourselves?! Indeed then we would be in error and madness.’
— Ali Quli Qarai
54Al-QamarالقمرVerse 24 of 55
The Moon54. Al-Qamarالقمر
al-Qamar
The Moon
MeccanVerse 24 of 55
Surah al-Qamar - Verses 23-26
23. Thamud belied the warners.
24. And they inquired: "Should we obey one single man amongst us? Truly then we should be deeply [entangled with] in error and madness!"
25. Is it that he is the only one from amongst us who receives Revelation? Nay, he is an very arrogant and a liar!"
26. Tomorrow they will come to know who is the liar, the arrogant one!
The people of Thamud are the third people whose account is precisely mentioned as a lesson. They inhabited in the land of Hijr, in the northern region of Hijaz. Their Prophet Salih (as) made his utmost effort to guide them onto the Straight Path, but his efforts were of no avail. They denied Divine Warnings. The Arabic word nudhur herein connotes warning Prophets and the denial of the Prophetic Call by the people of Thamud is regarded as that of all the Prophets, since the Prophetic Calls of all Prophets were consistent. Nonetheless, the Arabic word nudhur is herein the plural form of indhar denoting statements made accompanied by warning which are naturally included in the words of any Prophet.
The second Verse in question treats of their pretexts as to their denial of the Prophetic Call saying: "They said: 'Should we follow a man of our community? If we do so, we will be in error and entangled with madness.'" Arrogance and vanity served as veils between them and Prophetic Calls. They said that Prophet Salih (as) was a man like them. Thus, it would be in vain to follow him. What are his privileges over us so that we should follow his commands? Astray peoples often found the same fault with Prophets saying that they are people like us for which reason they may not be Divinely appointed Prophets.
The Arabic word su‘ur is the plural for of sa‘ir originally denoting blazing fire but it is employed at times in the sense of madness as well, since madmen are imbued with special excitement. Thus, naqa mas‘ura is applied to mad camel. It is worthy of note that the plural form su‘ur connotes emphasis and permanence, be it in respect to madness or as to setting fire ablaze. In the third blessed Verse disbelievers are saying that taken for granted that Divine Revelation be sent to a certain man, would he be the only one receiving it where there are people enjoying more recognition, fame, and possessions?
They also say that he is an arrogant liar desiring to rule over them. The ignorant solely regard the form but are totally ignorant of significance and truth. Narrow minded people have always regarded Prophets human beings like them and have been ignorant of their spiritual truth. They have been unaware of the their inward precious jewels thereby they are connected to the spiritual world and that of Divine Command and are prepared to receive Divine Revelation. It is through the nexus that they receive Divine Favors and impart the same unto their peoples. Therefore, they regarded Prophets liars. It is worthy of note that the Arabic word ashir connotes exuberance accompanied with lustfulness.
The fourth blessed Verse in question thus provides disbelievers with a reply saying that it will be known tomorrow as to who the lustful liar is. Divine torment will strike them into a handful of dust and ashes and Divine Chastisement shall entangle them in the Hereafter. Such false accusations may not befit Prophets but are worthy of disbelievers.