Has it, then, not become obvious unto those who have inherited the earth in the wake of former generations80 that, if We so willed, We could smite them [too] by means of their sins, sealing their hearts so that they cannot hear [the truth]?81
Asad Translation Note Number :
Lit., "after its [former] people". The people "who have inherited the earth" are those now living.
See surah {2}, note [7]. Here, again, we have an affirmation that what the Qur'an describes as "God's punishment" (as well as "God's reward") is, in reality, a consequence of man's own doings, and not an arbitrary act of God: it is "by means of their sins" (bi-dhunubihim) that God "sets a seal" upon the hearts of men. This statement is further elucidated at the end of verse {101}.
Malik Quran Translation
Is it not a guiding lesson to those who inherit the earth after its former occupants, that if We please, We can punish them for their sins and seal their hearts so they would not hear?
Yusuf Ali Quran Translation
To those who inherit the earth in succession to its (previous) possessors is it not a guiding (lesson) that if We so willed We could punish them (too) for their sins and seal up their hearts so that they could not hear? 1069
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
The stories which have been related should give a warning to present and future generations which have inherited the land, the power, or the experience of the past. They should know that if they fall into the same sins they will meet with the same fate: when through their contumacy their hearts are hardened, they do not listen to the advice that falls on their ears.
Mustafa Khattab Quran Translation
Is it not clear to those who take over the land after ˹the destruction of˺ its former residents that—if We will—We can punish them ˹too˺ for their sins and seal their hearts so they will not hear ˹the truth˺?
Mustafa Khattab Translation Note Number :
Piktal Quran Translation
Is it not an indication to those who inherit the land after its people (who thus reaped the consequence of evil doing) that, if We will, We can smite them for their sins and print upon their hearts so that they hear not?
Quran Transliteration
Awalam yahdi lillatheena yarithoona alarda min baAAdi ahliha an law nashao asabnahum bithunoobihim wanatbaAAu AAala quloobihim fahum la yasmaAAoona