سُوْرَةُ الشُّعَرَآءِ

Surah Ash-Shu'araa (26) — Ayah 156

The Poets · Meccan · Juz 19 · Page 373

وَلَا تَمَسُّوهَا بِسُوٓءٍ فَيَأْخُذَكُمْ عَذَابُ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ ﴿156﴾
"And touch her not with harm, lest the torment of a Great Day should seize you."
وَلَا walā And (do) not
تَمَسُّوهَا tamassūhā touch her
بِسُوٓءٍۢ bisūin with harm
فَيَأْخُذَكُمْ fayakhudhakum lest seize you
عَذَابُ ʿadhābu (the) punishment
يَوْمٍ yawmin (of) a Day
عَظِيمٍۢ ʿaẓīmin Great

Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

The tafsir of this verse may be read with the following verses.

Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

156-1. The second thing that was said to them was that this she-camel should not be touched with any evil intention, nor should it be harmed. Thus, this she-camel remained among them in this manner. She would drink water from the watering place and survive by eating grass and fodder. It is said that the people of Thamud would milk her and benefit from her. But after some time had passed, they planned to kill her.

Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

156. Do not harm her, or the punishment of a tremendous Day [95] will seize you."

[95]
Why Did the People Accept the She-Camel’s Turn to Drink Water?

In an arid and barren land like Arabia, there was always a shortage of water, and the issue of water was extremely important. Therefore, Salihؑ decided that on one day, only this she-camel of Allah would drink water from a certain well. On that day, the people’s animals would not go there to drink water, and on the next day, the people’s animals would drink water, and the she-camel would not go there. This decision of Salihؑ was according to Allah’s command, which the people accepted. However, their own willingness had nothing to do with this acceptance. Rather, they were compelled to accept this decision. There were two reasons for this: one was that along with the decision, Salihؑ had also given this warning that if you people caused any harm to this she-camel or obstructed her from grazing freely or drinking water, then Allah’s punishment would come upon you; and the second was that after witnessing the miracle of the she-camel, they had become convinced that Salihؑ was indeed a Messenger of Allah. Therefore, despite this conviction, they were fearful of his warning.