Surah Al-Fajr 89:11
سُورَةُ الفَجۡرِ · Meccan · Verse 11 of 30
ٱلَّذِينَ طَغَوْا۟ فِى ٱلْبِلَٰدِ
Translation
All of them committed excesses in their lands,
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
When we reflect on Allah's words, our hearts are invited to a space of humility and openness, ready to be shaped by His divine speech. This verse, "ٱلَّذِينَ طَغَوْا۟ فِى ٱلْبِلَٰدِ" (Alladhīna ṭaghaw fī al-bilād), speaks to us through the examples of nations past.
The Context and the Message
In these verses, Allah is addressing the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and through him, all of humanity. He presents the fate of three powerful nations: 'Ad, Thamud, and Pharaoh's people. This particular verse describes those who (ٱلَّذِينَ) were 'Ad, Thamud, and Pharaoh, they were the ones who "طَغَوْا۟ فِى ٱلْبِلَٰدِ." The immediate situation is one of stern warning and a reminder that Allah observes all actions. The plain meaning tells us these were the ones "who became tyrannical and oppressed in Allah's lands."
Beyond All Bounds
The word "طَغَوْا۟" (ṭaghaw) is remarkably profound. Its root suggests exceeding all limits, like a river overflowing its banks. As Imam al-Jalalayn notes, it means they "became tyrannical" (تجبروا). Imam al-Razi elaborates that they "committed sins and tyrannized over Allah's prophets and believers." Ibn Ashur explains that *ṭughyan* is "the severity of disobedience and oppression." It's not just a minor transgression, but a full-blown arrogance that makes one disregard divine commands and oppress others without restraint. This single word paints a vivid picture of individuals and nations who believed themselves above accountability, intoxicated by their own power.
Widespread Corruption
The phrase "فِى ٱلْبِلَٰدِ" (fī al-bilād), meaning "in the lands," further emphasizes the widespread nature of their tyranny. It suggests that their oppression wasn't confined to a small group or isolated incident; it permeated their entire societies and territories. Ibn Ashur reflects on this, stating that the tyranny of each nation in its own land ultimately led to widespread corruption, as the bad example of the rulers and powerful individuals spread throughout the entire society. When leaders are tyrannical, he explains, it encourages others to oppress those weaker than them, dissolving just laws and sowing discord. The impact of their transgressions was not limited to them alone; it caused widespread harm, affecting everything and everyone around them.
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that exceeding limits in arrogance and oppression inevitably leads to pervasive corruption, and Allah, the All-Watching, is ever mindful of such actions, as the subsequent verses warn.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Fajr 89:11 is discussed in 14 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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