سُوْرَةُ صٓ

Surah Saad (38) — Ayah 13

The letter Saad · Meccan · Juz 23 · Page 453

وَثَمُودُ وَقَوْمُ لُوطٍ وَأَصْحَـٰبُ لْـَٔيْكَةِ ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلْأَحْزَابُ ﴿13﴾
And Thamûd, and the people of Lût (Lot), and the Dwellers of the Wood: such were the Confederates.
وَثَمُودُ wathamūdu And Thamud
وَقَوْمُ waqawmu and (the) people
لُوطٍۢ lūṭin (of) Lut
وَأَصْحَـٰبُ wa-aṣḥābu and (the) companions
لْـَٔيْكَةِ ۚ al'aykati (of) the wood
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ulāika Those
ٱلْأَحْزَابُ l-aḥzābu (were) the companies

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.

13. 1. For Ashab al-Aykah, see (وَمَآ اَنْتَ اِلَّا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُنَا وَاِنْ نَّظُنُّكَ لَمِنَ الْكٰذِبِيْنَ) 26. Ash-Shu'ara:186) footnote.

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.

13. And so did Thamud, the people of Lot, and the dwellers of the forest [15]; these were all mighty hosts [16].

[15]
The People of the Thicket:

The literal meaning is "the people of the woods." Their region was located on a plateau. Shu‘ayb ؑ was sent to them. Their story has already been mentioned.

[16]
Great Powers and Nations That Have Been Destroyed:

In these two verses, Allah Almighty has listed the names of six nations from previous peoples to warn the disbelievers of Makkah that they were indeed very strong groups. In stature, strength, abundance of wealth, and prosperity, they were far ahead of the disbelievers of Makkah, and their numbers were also much greater. But when they denied their messengers, My punishment descended upon them and utterly destroyed them. So who are you to think that after denying My Messenger, you will remain safe and sound?