فَنادَوا صاحِبَهُم فَتَعاطىٰ فَعَقَرَ
But they called their companion, and he took [a knife] and hamstrung [her].
EXEGESIS
Their companion refers to the person who slaughtered the she-camel, whom the exegetes identify as Qudār ibn Sālif.[1] He has been labelled in the Quran as the most wretched of them (91:12).
The word taʿāṭā (he took) has been said to have several different meanings. It can mean to go after something, to carry out an important and difficult task,[2] to carry out a strenuous task that requires courage but is not praiseworthy,[3] or to carry out a task in exchange for some compensation. It can also mean to take something in hand.[4] Based on the last meaning, the object which is taken in hand is implicit in the verse. Some have said it refers to the she-camel,[5] whilst others say it refers to a sword.[6]
All the above meanings could possibly fit this context, for killing the she-camel would have required courage for something that could lead to grave consequences. It would also be considered a difficult task and would usually have some compensation too.[7]
ʿAqara (hamstrung) originally means to injure, and when used for camels and horses it means to hamstring, and for camels specifically it also means to slaughter.[8] According to Ṭūsī, the verb ʿaqara refers to cutting the flesh of an animal which causes blood to gush forth.[9]
Whilst this verse uses this verb in the singular, other verses (see 7:77, 26:157, and 91:14) use it in the plural (ʿaqarū) and charges the whole community with slaughtering the she-camel. This can be an indication that this one individual was a representative of the whole community, and that they were pleased with his actions, thus making them equal accomplices.[10]
What supports this is that the verb taʿāṭā (he took) has been formulated on the pattern of tafāʿul which has a meaning of cooperation and coming together of two parties,[11] as well as the fact that the verse calls him their companion, which indicates that they were with him and were inclined towards him.[12]
EXPOSITION
The warnings of Prophet Ṣāliḥ (a) to the people to not harm the she-camel (7:73 and 91:13) was to no avail. The she-camel was too much of an intrusion for a people who loathed bowing to any will but their own. Furthermore, there was a group of nine men from among the leaders who had noticed their power dwindling as the rest of the people began to honour the she-camel and follow Prophet Ṣāliḥ (a). Thus, they finally decided to kill her (see also 27:48). Saying their companion indicates that this person was known by them to possess a brutal character and a loathsome eccentric personality. According to some exegetes, taʿāṭā means the people gave Qudār everything that was needed to motivate and prepare him to kill the she-camel: alcohol that intoxicated him, promises that intrigued him, money that enticed him, and all other sorts of encouragements were given to him.[13] Others have added that the word taʿāṭā gives an indication that the killing did not happen instantaneously but required some time for planning.[14]
INSIGHTS FROM HADITH
- ʿAmmār reports: ‘On the way back from Ghazwat al-ʿAshīrah, because of the long distance, Ali (a) and I were sleeping under the shade of small palm trees. Suddenly, the Prophet (s) shook us with his foot and woke us up and addressed Ali (a), and said: “Who was the most wretched of the past people (ashqā al-awwalīn)?” Ali (a) said: “The one who hamstrung the she-camel of Ṣāliḥ (a).” Then the Prophet asked: “Who is the most wretched of the later people (ashqā al-ākhirīn)?” Ali (a) said: “I do not know.” The Prophet (s) said: “[It is] he who hits you on the forehead with a sword and makes you a martyr.”’[15]
- Imam Ali (a) has said: ‘O people! do not feel lonely on the path of guidance because there are few people on it; for people have gathered at a table whose satiety is short and whose hunger is long. O people! What brings people together is contentment or discontent. The camel of Thamūd was hamstrung by one man, but God covered them all with torment when all of them showed him their contentment. So, He said, glory be to Him: They hamstrung it and they regretted it [26:157].’[16]
REVIEW OF TAFSĪR LITERATURE
This verse does not mention any details of how exactly the killing took place. Exegetes have mentioned differing methods. Some say it was by means of a sword whilst others says that Qudār hid behind a rock and shot an arrow at the she-camel before coming out and attacking it with his sword.[17] Others say Qudār hid behind a tree and shot an arrow at it and then attacked its thigh, bringing it down to the ground before slaughtering it.[18]
Ṭabarī adds that Qudār was born out of wedlock and was amongst the nine people of the city who are labelled in the Quran for causing corruption (27:49).[19]
[1] Amthal, 17/328.
[2] Razi, 29/311.
[3] Qaraati, 9/359.
[4] Amthal, 17/328.
[5] Tibyan, 9/454.
[6] Safi, 5/103.
[7] Amthal, 17/329.
[8] Tahqiq, 8/233.
[9] Tibyan, 10/360.
[10] Amthal, 17/329.
[11] Qaraati, 9/359.
[12] Ibn Ashur, 27/192.
[13] Furqan, 27/494.
[14] Mudarrisi, 14/243.
[15] Hasakani, 2/434.
[16] Nahj, saying 201.
[17] Amthal, 17/329.
[18] Qurtubi, 17/141.
[19] Tabari, 27/60.