فَأَهلَكنا أَشَدَّ مِنهُم بَطشًا وَمَضىٰ مَثَلُ الأَوَّلينَ

So We destroyed those who were stronger than these, and the example of the ancients has passed.

EXEGESIS

Baṭsh is the infinitive of the verb baṭasha, which means to seize by extreme force.[1] It also means vehement assault (26:130). The addition of the qualifier ashadd (stronger) to baṭsh serves to emphasise the extreme strength and power associated with the action.[2] Perhaps Pickthall’s translation: ‘Then We destroyed men mightier than these in prowess,’ effectively captures this nuance of intensified strength.

The pronoun these in stronger than these refers to the polytheists of Mecca.

In this verse, there is a notable shift in pronouns (iltifāt) from the previous verses, where the polytheists were directly addressed, to now referring to them in the third person whilst addressing Prophet Muhammad (s) directly. One possible explanation for this change could be that the polytheists were unlikely to heed the lessons from the stories of previous nations, rendering direct address less fitting.[3] Alternatively, this shift may emphasise the primary purpose of these verses: to provide consolation to the Prophet by addressing him directly.[4]

EXPOSITION

To ensure that the polytheists do not mistakenly presume that Allah’s mercy and kindness imply a lack of consequences for rejecting His apostles and their messages, this verse serves as a reminder of the harsh reality faced by previous nations. Despite Allah’s consistent will to guide these people, their persistent rejection ultimately led to His wrath and their eventual destruction.[5]

The Quran often highlights the strength of previous nations, noting their superior physical prowess, numbers, and wealth.[6] Despite their apparent advantages, the ultimate downfall of these mighty civilisations serves as a cautionary reminder, emphasising that even the strongest and most prosperous societies are not immune to destruction if they persist in their transgressions; see for example 6:6, 30:9, 35:44, 40:21, 40:82, 47:13, and 50:36.

And the example of the ancients has passed: this statement is to emphasise that the stories of previous nations and their downfall have already been discussed in earlier chapters of the Quran, preceding this particular one.[7] In 14:45, the polytheists are reminded that not only have they been told about what transpired in the previous nations, but they lived in the same dwellings as them, While you dwelt in the dwellings of those who had wronged themselves [before], and it had been made clear to you how We had dealt with them [before you], and We had [also] cited examples for you?

The stories of previous nations serve as warnings to the polytheists, suggesting that a similar fate awaits them if they continue on their current path (see also 14:45, 25:39, and verse 56).

[1] Mizan, 18/86.
[2] Amthal, 16/14.
[3] Mizan, 18/86.
[4] Ibn Ashur, 25/216.
[5] Amthal, 16/14.
[6] Amthal, 16/14.
[7] Mizan, 18/86.