Transliteration:( Awalam yaseeroo fil ardi fa yanzuroo kaifa kaana 'aaqibatul lazeena kaanoo min qablihim; kaanoo hum ashadda minhum quwwatanw wa aasaaran fil ardi fa akhazahumul laahu bizunoobihim wa maa kaana lahum minal laahi minw waaq )
"Have they not travelled in the earth, and seen how was the end [54] of those before them? They were greater than them in might and in the impressions [55] they left on the earth. Yet, Allah seized them for their sins. And there was none to save [56] them from Allah."
This verse encourages people to travel through the earth and observe the remnants of destroyed nations. Their downfall serves as a powerful warning for those who disbelieve and rebel against divine commands.
Two key lessons arise from this:
Travel with the intention of reflection—to witness the Signs of Allah, including the ruins of former civilizations—is a commendable act. As Allah states:
“Travel in the earth, then see how Allah makes (creation) in the beginning, then brings forth the second growth.” (Surah Al-‘Ankabut, 29:20)
If visiting places where Allah’s punishment descended upon the disbelievers is an act of spiritual reflection, then certainly, visiting the localities of the pious—where Allah’s mercy descended—is also an act of worship, as it allows one to reflect on divine grace and nearness.
The verse highlights that past nations were physically stronger, more powerful, and left behind lasting impressions on the earth—such as massive buildings, canals, and structures. These testify to their advanced skills, wealth, and influence.
Despite their worldly might, they could not escape the consequences of sin, and Allah’s punishment overtook them.
When Allah’s judgment descended, no one could intervene, and no helper or protector could save them. This shows that true protection lies only with Allah, and no worldly strength or alliance can stand in opposition to His will.
However, this also suggests that for the believers, Allah appoints special servants and means to protect and deliver them from punishment—His mercy outweighs His wrath for those who turn to Him.
This verse serves as both a warning for the arrogant and a reminder of hope for the faithful.
21. Have they not traveled in the land and seen what was the end of those who were before them They were superior to them in strength, and in the traces in the land. But Allah seized them with punishment for their sins. And none had they to protect them from Allah. 22. That was because there came to them their Messengers with clear evidences but they disbelieved (in them). So Allah seized them. Verily, He is All-Strong, Severe in punishment.
(Have they not traveled), `these people who disbelieve in your Message, O Muhammad,’
(in the land and seen what was the end of those who were before them) means, the nations of the past who disbelieved in their Prophets (peace be upon them), for which the punishment came upon them even though they were stronger than Quraysh.
(and in the traces in the land.) means, they left behind traces in the earth, such as structures, buildings and dwellings which these people ﴿i.e., the Quraysh﴾ cannot match. This is like the Ayat:
(And indeed We had firmly established them with that wherewith We have not established you!) (46:26)
(and they tilled the earth and populated it in greater numbers than these have done) (30:9). Yet despite this great strength, Allah punished them for their sin, which was their disbelief in their Messengers.
(And none had they to protect them from Allah.) means, they had no one who could protect them or ward off the punishment from them. Then Allah mentions the reason why He punished them, and the sins which they committed. Allah says:
(That was because there came to them their Messengers with clear evidences) meaning with clear proof and definitive evidence.
(but they disbelieved.) means, despite all these signs, they disbelieved and rejected the Message.
(So Allah seized them.) means, He destroyed them utterly, and a similar fate awaits the disbelievers.
(Verily, He is All-Strong, Severe in punishment) means, He is possessed of great strength and might.
(Severe in punishment, ) means, His punishment is severe and agonizing; we seek refuge with Allah, may He be blessed and exalted, from that.
(40:21) Have they not journeyed in the land that they might observe the end of those who came before them? They were even greater in strength than they and left behind more splendid traces in the land. Then Allah seized them because of their sins and they had none who could protect them from Allah.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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