Tafsir of An-Naml 27:47

"They said, 'We consider you an omen of evil...'"

A man would set out on a journey and pass by a bird, which he would then startle. If it flew to the right (sāniḥ), he would consider it a good omen; if it flew to the left (bāriḥ), he would consider it an evil omen.

When they attributed good and evil to the bird, the term "bird" (ṭā’ir) was metaphorically applied to what is actually the cause of these things: either the decree and apportionment of Allah, or the deeds of the servant which serve as the cause for mercy or retribution. From this comes the saying: "It is Allah’s decree, not your bird," meaning: the prevailing decree of Allah—to which good and evil are attributed—is what matters, not your bird from which you derive omens.

When they said, "We consider you an omen of evil" (iṭṭayyarnā bikum), they meant: "We consider you a bad omen," and they were suffering from drought.

"He said, 'Your omen is with Allah'" Meaning: The cause from which your good and evil come is with Allah; it is His decree and His apportionment. If He wills, He provides for you, and if He wills, He deprives you.

It is also possible that he meant: "Your deeds are recorded with Allah, and from them comes what has befallen you as a punishment and a trial." This is supported by His saying: "Your omen is with you" (Yā-Sīn: 19), and "And every human’s omen We have fastened to his neck" (Al-Isrā’: 13).

It is also recited as taṭayyarnā bikum (following the original root). The meaning of taṭayyara bihi is to consider it an evil omen, and taṭayyara minhu is to be repulsed by it.

"But you are a people being tested" Meaning: You are being tried, or punished, or the devil is tempting you by whispering omens to you.

"And there were in the city nine families, causing corruption in the land and not reforming. They said, 'Swear by Allah that we will surely attack him and his family by night, then we will say to his heir, "We did not witness the destruction of his family, and indeed, we are truthful."'"

"And they planned a plan, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not."

"Then look how was the outcome of their plan—that We destroyed them and their people, all together."

"So those are their houses, empty because of the wrong they had done. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who know."

"And We saved those who believed and used to fear Allah."