Overall meaning : Allah, Exalted and Sublime be He, says: Has it not become clear to these idolaters how many unbelieving nations (such as the tribes of ‘Aad and Thamud and Lot’s people) We destroyed before them, in whose ruined dwellings they now walk about? Surely in their destruction there are signs and lessons for the Quraysh idolaters and for all unbelievers for that matter. Will they not, then, listen to Allah’s signs and the accounts of the past unbelieving nations so they may reflect on them and turn to Allah, for fear they may meet the same terrible end?
Do they not see how We drive rain to parched land that is bare of grass, and with it We bring forth crops from which they and their livestock eat? Can they not see how Allah revives the earth after it has been lifeless, so that they may recognise His power to bring the dead back to life?!
They mockingly ask, ‘When will this judgement come so Allah will punish us and help you against us, if you are telling the truth?!’ Say to them, Muhammad, ‘On the Day of Judgement it will be of no use for the unbelievers to believe, nor will they be granted a respite so that they may repent and mend their ways.’ Therefore, turn away from them and wait until Allah lets His punishment descend upon them. They, too, are waiting.