Hud - Hud
Arabic Name: هُوْد
Urdu Name: حود
Type: Makki
Serial Number: 11
Revelation Order: 52
Total Verses: 123
Parah: 12,11
Rukus: 10
Sajda: None
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Quick Facts about this Verse
Surah
Hud
Revealed
Makki
Position
Juz 12,11
Explore this Verse
Verse Meaning
According to the classical tafsir of Ibn Kathir, Quran 11:79 captures the moment of ultimate moral defiance from the people of Prophet Lut. Their statement, 'You have certainly known that we have no right to your daughters, and indeed, you know what we want,' was a blatant and shameless rejection of natural inclination (fitrah) and divine guidance. A comprehensive review of scholarly commentary reveals this was not merely a refusal, but a declaration of their perverted identity. Al-Tabari explains their words meant they had no lawful claim or desire for women, while Al-Qurtubi adds that it showed a complete lack of interest in the natural order. The synthesis of these scholarly views demonstrates a people so consumed by their sin that they felt no shame in announcing their preference for men over the lawful alternative their Prophet offered. Their concluding phrase, 'and indeed, you know what we want,' as interpreted by As-Suddi, was an explicit and insolent confirmation of their desire for the male guests, leaving no room for doubt about their depravity. This verse stands as a stark Quranic illustration of a society reaching a point of no return, where sin is not hidden but openly proclaimed in defiance of a divine messenger.
Questions for Reflection
The Psychology of Shamelessness
The people of Lut said, '...indeed, you know what we want.' Al-Tabari and other scholars highlight the utter lack of shame in this statement. Contemplate the spiritual state of a person or community that no longer feels the need to hide its sins from a righteous authority. What internal barriers of modesty (haya) must have been broken to reach this point?
The Rejection of Purity
Prophet Lut offered them a pure, lawful alternative in his daughters (verse 78), but they responded with, 'we have no right/desire in them.' As Al-Qurtubi's commentary implies, they had a complete disinterest in what was lawful. Reflect on how persistent sin can corrupt one's natural disposition (fitrah) to the point where purity becomes unattractive and perversion becomes the sole desire.
Knowledge vs. Desire
Their words 'You have certainly known...' show they were not acting from ignorance. They knew Lut's position and their own desires. Ibn Kathir's tafsir treats this as a known fact. Contemplate the conflict between knowledge and desire. How can a person 'know' what is right, yet be so completely overpowered by their 'want' that they defy that knowledge openly?
Practical Applications
Guard the 'Fitrah' (Natural Inclination) Within Your Family.
In an era of confusing social norms, ground family discussions in the clarity of Quranic guidance on natural relationships and morality.
Recognize Shamelessness as a Sign of Spiritual Danger.
Counteract the normalization of public indecency by fostering a strong sense of Islamic modesty and shame in the face of disobedience to Allah.
Heed Prophetic Warnings Before the Heart Hardens.
When you hear a khutbah or read a verse that addresses a personal weakness, act on it immediately rather than delaying, to keep the heart from becoming hardened.
Hidden Gem
The synthesis of the tafsirs reveals a profound spiritual lesson: their statement was not just a rejection of Lut, but a rejection of reality itself. By saying 'we have no right/desire in your daughters,' they were negating the very fitrah (natural order) Allah created them with. This contemplation transforms the verse from a historical account into a timeless warning about the danger of desires that lead one to deny self-evident truths.
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Common Questions
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