Tafsir of Al-Fajr 89:6

"Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with ‘Ad" (89:6).

This is a citation of the Prophet’s (may Allah exalt him and grant him peace) knowledge of what serves as evidence—namely, the punishment of ‘Ad and their likes who shared in the tyranny and corruption of his people (peace and blessings be upon him). It follows the pattern of the verse: "Have you not seen the one who argued with Abraham about his Lord?" (2:258), and His statement (Exalted is He): "Have you not seen that they roam aimlessly in every valley?" (26:225).

Abu Hayyan stated: What is apparent is that there is an elided [phrase] indicated by what preceded it at the end of Surah Al-Ghashiyah, which is His statement (Exalted is He): "Indeed, to Us is their return, then indeed upon Us is their reckoning" (88:25-26). Its estimation is: "For their return is to Us, and their reckoning is upon Us."

Ibn al-Mundhir recorded from Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) that he recited "Al-Fajr" up to His statement (Exalted is He): "…for one who possesses intelligence" (89:5). He then said: "This is an oath that your Lord is ever watchful (in ambush)." Ibn al-Anbari held the view that this is what is being sworn upon. It is narrated from Muqatil that "Hal" (Is) in "Is there in that..." (89:5) means "that" (anna). This is invalid according to both narration and reason, as it would leave an oath without a response to the oath.

The intent by "‘Ad" is the descendants of ‘Ad ibn 'Aws ibn Iram ibn Sam ibn Nuh (peace be upon him), the people of Hud (peace be upon him). They were named after their forefather, just as the sons of Hashim were called "Hashim." The application of the father's name to his descendants is a common metaphor, to the point that some have classified it as a literal usage. It has been said of their predecessors, "the first ‘Ad," and of their successors, "the latter ‘Ad." Imad al-Din ibn Kathir stated: Every mention of ‘Ad's news in the Quran refers to the first ‘Ad, except for what is in Surah al-Ahqaf.

They are also called "Iram," naming them after their grandfather, and naming after a grandfather is also common. This is a specific name for the first [‘Ad]. To this refers the statement of Ibn al-Ruqayyat:

A legacy of glory built by its first [generation], Who reached ‘Ad, and before them, Iram.

Similar to this is the statement of Zuhayr and others:

You see the coats of mail—their count Is from the weaving of Dawud, or what Iram had inherited.