Surah an-Naml (The Ant ) 27 : 69

Explanatory Note

At this point, the sūrah directs the unbelievers to turn their minds to the end met by earlier communities which, like them, denied the warnings given by God’s messengers. These are described here as the guilty ones: “Say: Go all over the earth and see what happened in the end to the guilty.” (Verse 69)

This directive is meant to broaden their view. No human generation stands in isolation. Every generation is subject to the same laws and rules that apply to the rest. What happened to those who were guilty in the past may happen to the guilty in later generations, because divine laws admit no favouritism. Travelling about the land was certain to inform them of past experiences, and these would contain a lesson for them. It would open their minds and hearts to light. The Qur’ān directs people to learn of the operation of divine laws so as to broaden their vision and give wider dimension to their lives.