Quran 17:16 is a verse from Surah Al-Isra

This surah addresses themes such as moral guidance, and warnings about the consequences of disobedience to God.

Translation of the Verse

A common English translation of Quran 17:16 is: “And when We intend to destroy a town, We command its affluent ones [to obedience], but they defiantly disobey therein; so the word comes into effect upon it, and We destroy it with [complete] destruction.” 5 Variations in translations may emphasize slightly different nuances, such as “We send a definite order to those among them who are given the good things of this life” or “We let the leaders commit corruption,” but the core idea remains consistent across interpretations. 3

Explanation and Context

This verse outlines a divine principle or “law of requital” for societies and nations. According to Islamic exegesis (tafsir), it describes how God deals with communities on the brink of moral and spiritual decline:

• The Process of Destruction: Before a town or society is destroyed, God first “commands” or grants prosperity and authority to its affluent or elite members (referred to as “mutrafiha” in Arabic, meaning those living in luxury or the well-to-do). 0 This can be seen as a test: the wealthy are given opportunities to follow righteousness, obey divine laws, and use their influence for good.
• Transgression and Justification: Instead of heeding this, the elites often commit “fusuq” (sins, disobedience, or corruption) within the society. This widespread transgression justifies the divine decree of punishment, leading to the town’s utter destruction. 1 The verse implies that societal downfall starts from within, particularly from the corruption of those in power, rather than external forces alone.
• Broader Implications: Commentators like Abul Ala Maududi explain that this highlights personal and collective responsibility. God does not punish without warning—often through messengers or signs—and destruction comes only after persistent disobedience. 2 It’s tied to the idea that conscience guides individuals, but when ignored by leaders, it leads to collective ruin. 6 Historical examples in the Quran, such as the people of Noah or other prophets, illustrate this pattern. 0

In essence, the verse serves as a warning that prosperity can be a trial, and corruption among the powerful invites divine intervention, emphasizing justice, accountability, and the inevitability of consequences for societal wrongs. Interpretations can vary slightly among scholars, but this is the general consensus from traditional tafsirs.