Transliteration:( A'innakum la ta'toonar rijaala wa taqta'oonas sabeela wa ta'toona fee naadeekumul munkara famaa kaana jawaaba qawmiheee illaaa an qaalu' tinaaa bi'azaabil laahi in kunta minas saadiqeen )
"Do you commit unnatural acts with men [67], and sever the way [68], and commit evil in your gatherings [69]? Then his people’s response was nothing but to say, 'Bring us the punishment of Allah if you are among the truthful.'"
This refers to the unnatural and immoral act of sodomy, which the people of Lut (peace be upon him) practiced openly. Some scholars have also interpreted this as leading to loss of offspring, since such behavior breaks the natural system of reproduction and renders men useless to women, highlighting the social and biological harm of the act.
Additionally, it may also include violence and assault upon travelers, further establishing their moral corruption and cruelty.
They would block the pathways, either through robbery, intimidation, or even indecent behavior with those who passed by. This caused travelers to avoid their region, turning it into a dangerous and morally depraved zone. The phrase also carries a symbolic meaning of severing the natural and moral way of life, replacing it with perversion and lawlessness.
In their gatherings, they would engage in mockery, whistling, vulgar speech, drinking, and other indecent acts. These activities were celebrated and normalized, showing how sin had become a social custom. Islam teaches that even non-Muslims are expected to maintain a basic level of human decency, and that social accountability applies universally.
Rather than heeding Prophet Lut's sincere admonitions, the people sarcastically demanded punishment, saying, "Bring us the punishment of Allah if you are among the truthful." This defiance and mockery reflect their deep-rooted arrogance and moral blindness, which ultimately led to their destruction.
The tafsir of Surah Ankabut verse 29 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Ankabut ayat 28 which provides the complete commentary from verse 28 through 30.
(29:29) What! Do you go to men[51] (to satisfy your lust), engage in highway robbery, and commit evil deeds in your gatherings?”[52] Then they had no answer to offer other than to say: “Bring Allah’s chastisement upon us if you are truthful.”
51. That is, “You satisfy your sex desire with the males.” As stated in (Surah Al-Aaraf, Ayat 81), “you gratify your lust with men instead of women.”
52. That is, “You do not even hide yourself when you commit this filthy act, but commit it openly in your assemblies, in front of others.” The same has been stated in (Surah An-Naml, Ayat 54), thus: “Do you commit the indecency while you see it?”
[1130]- i.e., commit highway robbery and acts of aggression against travelers.
For a faster and smoother experience,
install our mobile app now.
Related Ayat(Verses)/Topics