Surah An-Nahl 16:45
سُورَةُ النَّحۡلِ · Meccan · Verse 45 of 128
أَفَأَمِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ مَكَرُوا۟ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ أَن يَخْسِفَ ٱللَّهُ بِهِمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ أَوْ يَأْتِيَهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ
Translation
Are those who plan evil so sure that God will not make the earth swallow them up, that punishment will not come on them from some unimagined direction,
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse opens with a powerful question, directed by Allah to those who plotted evil, primarily the disbelievers of Mecca who conspired against the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his followers. The tone is one of astonishment mixed with a stern rebuke, making us pause and consider the implications of feeling secure when defying the Almighty.
The Rebuking Question
The verse begins with أَفَأَمِنَ (Afa-amina), meaning, "Have they then felt secure?" The opening interrogative particle (أَ) is not just asking a question; it's a rhetorical device used for "astonishment mixed with rebuke," as noted by scholars like Ibn Ashur. It expresses strong disapproval that these plotters could possibly feel safe. The following particle (فَ) connects this query to their prior misdeeds and the threats of punishment, indicating this question is a direct consequence of their arrogance and plots.
The Nature of Their Plots
The verse identifies them as ٱلَّذِينَ مَكَرُوا۟ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ (alladhīna makarū as-sayyi'āt) – "those who plotted evil deeds." The Arabic word مَكَرُوا۟ (makarū) refers to scheming or plotting, often in a deceptive or secretive manner. The term ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ (as-sayyi'āt), meaning "the evil deeds" or "the bad things," is grammatically significant here. As al-Jadwal and al-Razi explain, it functions as the object of their plotting, emphasizing that their schemes were not just any schemes, but inherently *evil* ones. Ibn Ashur notes that this phrasing highlights the very characteristic or nature of their actions: evil was intrinsic to their plotting. This isn't about isolated bad acts, but a disposition towards malicious scheming.
Two Forms of Divine Retribution
Allah then presents two terrifying possibilities, both undermining any false sense of security these plotters might harbor:
First, أَن يَخْسِفَ ٱللَّهُ بِهِمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ (an yakhsifa Allāhu bihim al-arḍa) – "that Allah should cause the earth to swallow them." The word يَخْسِفَ (yakhsifa) describes a severe earthquake where the earth splits open, swallows dwellings and people, and then closes over them. This is a direct reference to historical punishments, like what happened to Qarun, as mentioned in al-Muyassar and al-Jalalayn. The preposition بِهِمُ (bihim), "with them," emphasizes their direct involvement in this terrifying fate, making them the victims of the earth's engulfment, as Ibn Ashur points out.
Second, أَوْ يَأْتِيَهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ (aw ya'tiyahumu al-'adhābu min ḥaythu lā yash'urūn) – "or the punishment should come upon them from where they do not perceive." This implies that the punishment would arrive suddenly, from an unexpected direction, leaving them no chance to anticipate or defend themselves. Ibn Ashur clarifies that مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ means from a place they would never expect harm, thus it would come "suddenly, and they cannot repel it." This unexpectedness is a crucial element, contrasting sharply with their misguided sense of security. The Battle of Badr is cited by al-Jalalayn as an example of an unexpected, devastating blow to the disbelievers.
Through these precise wordings, the verse strips away any illusion of safety from those who plot evil. It serves as a profound reminder that Allah's power is absolute and His retribution can come in varied forms, often when least expected, against those who persist in defiance and transgression.
Sources: al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Nahl 16:45 is discussed in 5 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
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