Surah Al-Haqqah 69:9
سُورَةُ الحَاقَّةِ · Meccan · Verse 9 of 52
وَجَآءَ فِرْعَوْنُ وَمَن قَبْلَهُۥ وَٱلْمُؤْتَفِكَٰتُ بِٱلْخَاطِئَةِ
Translation
And there came Pharaoh and those before him and the overturned cities with sin.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse opens a powerful account, warning about those nations who rejected Allah's guidance before the Prophet Muhammad's time. It is a stern reminder from Allah, meant to make us ponder the consequences of disobedience by looking at the fate of those who came before.
The Gathering of Transgressors
The verse begins, "وَجَآءَ فِرْعَوْنُ وَمَن قَبْلَهُۥ وَٱلْمُؤْتَفِكَٰتُ بِٱلْخَاطِئَةِ" (And came Pharaoh, and those before him, and the Overturned Cities, with the grave error). The phrase "وَمَن قَبْلَهُۥ" (and those before him) carries a striking dual meaning, as highlighted by scholars like al-Zamakhshari, al-Razi, and Ibn Ashur. The most common reading means "those who *preceded* him" – referring to earlier disbelieving nations like the people of Noah and Abraham. This broadens the scope of the warning to include all past generations who denied the truth. However, another significant reading, supported by early recitations, means "those *with* him" or "from his side" – his followers and soldiers. This rich linguistic choice shows us that the warning encompasses both those who came before and those who stood with the main transgressor in their time. It reminds us that Allah's justice covers all eras and every community.
The Overturned Cities
Next, the verse mentions "وَٱلْمُؤْتَفِكَٰتُ" (and the Overturned Cities). This isn't just a generic name. As Ibn Ashur explains, "المؤتفكات" (al-Mu'tafikat) is a descriptive term meaning "the overturned ones." It vividly calls to mind the fate of the cities of Prophet Lot's people, whose towns were physically turned upside down as a form of divine punishment. This specific word choice emphasizes the complete and utter destruction they faced due to their egregious sins. It's a powerful image, bringing their unique destruction directly into our minds.
The Core Transgression
All these groups, Pharaoh, those before him, and the people of Lot, are described as coming "بِالْخَاطِئَةِ" (bil-khati'ah), which means "with the grave error" or "the severe sin." Scholars like al-Razi and Ibn Ashur explain that "الخاطئة" (al-Khati'ah) refers to a deep, serious transgression deserving of punishment. It encompasses their collective wrongdoing. What was this grave error? The very next verse clarifies it, explaining that "فَعَصَوْا رَسُولَ رَبِّهِمْ" (then they disobeyed the messenger of their Lord). This connection, as Ibn Ashur notes, shows that their "grave error" was fundamentally about rejecting and disobeying the messengers sent to them by Allah. This specific wording emphasizes that their downfall was not from a minor slip, but a fundamental rebellion against the clear guidance of their Creator.
The precise wording in this verse paints a clear, broad picture of historical defiance and its inevitable consequences, serving as a powerful lesson for us today.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Haqqah 69:9 is discussed in one study guide on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Haqqah 69:9 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.