Surah Aal-i-Imraan 3:137 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Aal-i-Imraan, Ayah 137
Arabic Text
قَدۡ خَلَتۡ مِنۡ قَبۡلِكُمۡ سُنَنٌۙ فَسِيۡرُوۡا فِىۡ الۡاَرۡضِ فَانظُرُوۡا كَيۡفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الۡمُكَذِّبِيۡنَ
Transliteration
Qad khalat min qablikum sunanun faseeroofee al-ardi fanthuroo kayfa kanaAAaqibatu almukaththibeen
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Ali 'Imran 3:137 reveals Allah's eternal wisdom about divine patterns in human history: "Similar situations have passed before you, so travel throughout the earth and observe how was the end of those who denied." According to classical Islamic scholarship, this verse was revealed after the Battle of Uhud to comfort Muslims who were shocked by their setback, reminding them that such trials are part of Allah's unchanging laws (sunnan) that have operated throughout history. The Arabic word 'sunnan' (plural of sunnah) refers to divine patterns, customs, and consistent ways Allah deals with nations and individuals based on their acceptance or rejection of truth. The command 'faseeru fil-ard' (travel through the earth) encourages both physical and intellectual journey to observe archaeological evidence, historical accounts, and remnants of past civilizations. 'Fandhuru kayfa kana 'aqibatul-mukaththibeen' (observe how was the end of the deniers) specifically directs attention to the ultimate fate of those who rejected their prophets and divine guidance. This verse establishes that Allah's justice operates according to consistent principles: righteousness ultimately leads to success, while persistent denial and corruption lead to destruction, regardless of temporary worldly power or success. The instruction serves both as comfort for believers facing trials and as warning against following the path of historical deniers.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Tafsir & Context
Detailed tafsir and context for Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 137 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 137
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the established meaning and interpretation of Ali 'Imran 3:137?
Ali 'Imran 3:137 reveals Allah's eternal principle: 'Similar situations have passed before you, so travel throughout the earth and observe how was the end of those who denied.' This verse establishes that Allah operates according to consistent divine laws (sunnan) throughout history. It was revealed after the Battle of Uhud to comfort Muslims by showing that trials and tribulations are part of Allah's unchanging patterns. The verse encourages both physical and intellectual journey to observe archaeological evidence and historical accounts, demonstrating that divine justice operates consistently - righteousness leads to ultimate success while persistent denial leads to destruction.
❓What are the reported circumstances of this verse's revelation?
This verse was revealed in Madinah after the Battle of Uhud when Muslims suffered significant losses, including seventy martyrs and injuries to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself. The Muslim community was shocked and demoralized by this setback after their decisive victory at Badr. Some believers questioned how such defeats could happen to the righteous. Allah revealed this verse to provide perspective by showing that such trials are part of divine patterns that have operated throughout history, and that ultimate victory belongs to the believers despite temporary setbacks.
❓What is the significance of the specific wording and structure of this verse?
The Arabic structure begins with 'Qad khalat' (verily have passed) using the emphatic particle 'qad' to confirm the reality of historical patterns. 'Sunnan' (divine laws/patterns) is the plural of 'sunnah,' indicating consistent divine ways of dealing with nations. 'Faseeru fil-ard' (travel through the earth) uses the imperative form, making observation of history a divine command. 'Fandhuru' (observe/reflect) emphasizes intellectual contemplation, not mere sightseeing. 'Kayfa kana 'aqibatul-mukaththibeen' (how was the end of the deniers) specifically focuses attention on the ultimate consequences of denying divine guidance, establishing cause-and-effect relationships in divine justice.
❓What primary spiritual principles derive from this verse?
This verse establishes fundamental principles: Allah's justice operates according to consistent, observable patterns throughout history; temporary setbacks do not negate ultimate divine justice; learning from history is a religious obligation, not merely academic interest; travel and observation are means of spiritual education; and divine accountability applies to all nations and individuals regardless of their power or status. The verse teaches that Allah's treatment of peoples is predictable based on their response to divine guidance, providing both comfort to believers facing trials and warning to those who reject truth.
❓How does this verse fit within the broader theme of Surah Ali 'Imran?
This verse appears in the context of lessons from the Battle of Uhud and follows the description of righteous qualities (verses 133-136). Within Ali 'Imran's themes of divine guidance, community building, and learning from both victory and defeat, this verse provides historical perspective. It connects individual righteousness to collective destiny, showing that communities and civilizations are subject to the same divine laws as individuals. The verse supports the surah's emphasis on learning from the experiences of previous peoples, particularly the People of the Book, and demonstrates that divine justice transcends temporary worldly success or failure.
❓What are the core spiritual lessons and ethical teachings of this verse?
The verse teaches profound lessons about perspective during trials: that current difficulties are part of historical patterns, not unprecedented disasters; that learning from history is essential for spiritual growth; that travel and observation are forms of worship when done with reflection; that divine justice operates consistently but may not be immediately apparent; and that ultimate accountability is certain for all peoples. It encourages believers to develop historical consciousness, seeing their struggles as part of the larger human experience while maintaining confidence in divine justice.
❓How can the guidance of this verse be applied in modern life?
Modern Muslims can apply this verse by studying history with spiritual perspective, visiting historical sites for reflection rather than mere tourism, learning from the rise and fall of civilizations to understand divine patterns, applying historical lessons to contemporary challenges, and maintaining hope during difficult times by recognizing that current trials fit historical patterns. In education, it means integrating spiritual lessons with historical study; in travel, it means seeking moral and spiritual insights from observing different cultures and their outcomes; in facing personal or community challenges, it means drawing strength from knowing that similar trials have been overcome by the righteous throughout history.
❓How does this verse address modern concerns about justice and historical patterns?
This verse addresses contemporary questions about historical justice and patterns by affirming that divine justice operates according to observable principles throughout history. It provides framework for understanding why some civilizations rise and fall, reassures those who see injustice appear to triumph temporarily, and establishes that moral and spiritual factors ultimately determine civilizational success or failure. The verse encourages empirical observation of history while providing spiritual lens for interpretation, showing that material power without spiritual foundation leads to eventual collapse, while righteousness, though sometimes appearing weak, ultimately prevails.
Translations & Commentary
Loading...