People of Aad and Quran verses on the need to fear and submit to Allah
131. “So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me.The people of Aad lived after the time of Prophet Nuh in the Ahqaf, curved sand-hills near Hadramawt, on the borders of Yemen. The `Ad were physically strong, tall, well-built, and very violent. Allah had also given them a great deal of provisions, wealth, gardens, rivers, sons, crops and fruit. Yet despite all that they had received from Allah, they worshipped others besides Allah. So Allah sent Hud, one of their own, as a Messenger conveying to them good news and warnings. He called them to worship Allah alone, and warned them of Allah’s wrath and punishment if they went against him.
132. “And keep your duty to Him, fear Him Who has aided you with all (good things) that you know.
133. “He has aided you with cattle and children.
134. “And gardens and springs.
Quran (Surah Ash-Shuara, Verses 131-134)
Reflections from these verses:
- Taqwa is expressed through worship of Allah and obedience of His Messenger.
- The blessings bestowed by Allah serve as a reminder of man’s total dependence on their One and Only Lord, Allah (subhanahu wa Ta’ala).
- Means of sustenance and happiness in this life (cattle and children, gardens and springs,) make the wise and sensible people aware of Allah’s Benevolence.
- The foolish become proud of their worldly wealth as they refuse to reflect upon the source of their blessings.
- Pride and ingratitude is what Allah warns us against, for these can lead man to his fall.
References: Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi – Tafhim al-Qur’an and Tafsir Ibn Kathir)