Surah An-Naml 27:48
سُورَةُ النَّمۡلِ · Meccan · Verse 48 of 93
وَكَانَ فِى ٱلْمَدِينَةِ تِسْعَةُ رَهْطٍۢ يُفْسِدُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا يُصْلِحُونَ
Translation
There were nine men in the city who spread corruption in the land without making amends.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
Assalamu alaykum, and welcome to this reflection on Surah 27, Ayah 48. Let us approach this verse with humility and openness, ready to be reshaped by Allah's words. Here, Allah recounts a specific part of the story of Prophet Salih and his people, Thamud, as a lesson for us. He describes a group within Salih's city, revealing their deep-seated corruption and the meticulousness of their evil plans.
A Specific Group
The verse begins by telling us, "وَكَانَ فِى ٱلْمَدِينَةِ تِسْعَةُ رَهْطٍۢ" (And there were in the city nine *raht*). The word *raht* (رهط) itself refers to a small group of men, typically numbering between three and ten. As Imam al-Zamakhshari explains, it's like saying "nine souls." This specific mention of "nine" together with *raht* is a notable linguistic choice, as Ibn Ashur points out, highlighting the exact number of these individuals. It brings a precise focus to this small but powerful cabal, setting them apart and emphasizing their role in the story. Some people, due to this ayah, began to associate the number nine with misfortune, but Ibn Ashur warns against such superstitious beliefs, reminding us that they are prohibited in Islam.
Pure Corruption
What truly stands out in the wording is the description of these nine men: "يُفْسِدُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا يُصْلِحُونَ" (they spread corruption in the land and do not reform). The phrase "وَلَا يُصْلِحُونَ" (and do not reform) is not merely repetitive. Rather, as scholars like Ibn Ashur and al-Jadwal highlight, it serves a critical purpose known as *ihtirās* (a cautionary clarification) or *tatmīm* (completion of meaning). It means their corruption was not mixed with any good; they were purely, absolutely corrupt. There was no redeeming quality, no moment of reform or good action to mitigate their evil deeds. Al-Zamakhshari calls it "pure corruption" (*al-ifsād al-baht*), unlike some who might occasionally mix good with their wrongdoing. This precise wording leaves no room for doubt about the extent of their depravity and their unwavering commitment to injustice and sin.
Through these carefully chosen words, Allah reveals to us the depth of villainy that existed in that city. It's a reminder that evil can be concentrated and unadulterated, and that the Quran's language leaves no ambiguity when describing such hearts.
Sources: Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Naml 27:48 is discussed in 7 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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