Chapter 50 of the Quran (16) Definition of Intellect

And how many past generations has Allah destroyed before the disbelievers of Mecca.

Allah has destroyed many generations of disbelievers, who were mightier than the disbelievers of Mecca in in physical strength and in prowess,

 

So that they overran the lands! They moved about and travelled for their trade. Had they any place of refuge or escape from Allah chastisement? They searched throughout the land wondering: is there any escape? For them and others from death, but they found none.

Is there anyone of the past generations left?

 

Herein, the Quran makes studying the History of the past generations a leading proof to the truth.

Throughout the history of mankind Allah has destroyed:

The unbelievers among the people of the Prophet Noah

The unbelievers among the people of the Prophet Hud

The unbelievers among the people of the Prophet Saleh

The unbelievers among the people of the Prophet Lot

The unbelievers among the people of the Prophet Shu’aib

Pharaoh and his Egyptians unbelievers who chased the Prophet Moses

 

Is there anyone of them left?

 

The verse 50:37 says:

Assuredly there is in that, which is mentioned, a reminder for him who has a heart.

 

That is, whoever has an intellect by which he acquires knowledge of the sacred Allah’s law

One Muslim was asked about the intellect, he said: Intellect is having good judgment for yourself of the outcome of your affairs.

 

Lo! What was done with the past unbelievers is but a reminder for him who has ear and listens to the Quran while being attentive and witnessing his Lord, not absent from Him.

 

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The verses 50:36-37 in different translations

 

QARIB:

36) How many generations, stronger in might than they have we destroyed before them! they searched the land, could they find any asylum?

37) Surely, in this there is a reminder for he who has a heart or listens attentively while witnessing.

 

SHAKIR:

36) And how many a generation did we destroy before them who were mightier in prowess than they, so they went about and about in the lands. is there a place of refuge?

37) Most surely there is a reminder in this for him who has a heart or he gives ear and is a witness

 

PICKTHAL:

36) And how many a generation we destroyed before them, who were mightier than these in prowess so that they overran the lands! had they any place of refuge (when the judgment came)?

37) Lo! Therein verily is a reminder for him who hath a heart, or giveth ear with full intelligence.

 

YUSUFALI:

36) But how many generations before them did we destroy (for their sins),- stronger in power than they? then did they wander through the land: was there any place of escape (for them)?

37) Verily in this is a message for any that has a heart and understanding or who gives ear and earnestly witnesses (the truth).