16. And when We decide to destroy a town (population), We (first) send a definite order (to obey Allah and be righteous) to those among them who are given the good things of this life. Then, they transgress therein, and thus the word (of torment) is justified against it (them). Then We destroy it with complete destruction.

17. And how many generations have We destroyed after Nuh! And All-Sufficient is your Lord as an All-Knower and All-Beholder of the sins of His servants.

Meanings of Amama

The commentators differed over the meaning of this word. It was said that the phrase translated here as "Amama those who live luxuriously. Then, they transgress therein" means, "We send Our decree upon them" as Allah says elsewhere:

Our decree reaches it by night or by day

For Amama cannot mean "Our command" because Allah does not command or enjoin immorality.

Or, they said it means that Allah subjugated them to commit immoral deeds, so they deserved the punishment. Or it was said that it means: "We commanded them to obey Us, but they committed immoral sins, so they deserved punishment." This was reported from Ibn Jurayj from Ibn 'Abbas, and it is also the view of Sa'id bin Jubayr.

Amama those who live luxuriously. Then, they transgress therein

'Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn 'Abbas said: [this means] "We gave power to the evil people, so they committed sin therein (in the town), and because they did that, Allah destroyed them with the punishment." This is similar to the Ayah:

And thus We have set up in every town great ones of its wicked people} [6:133]

This was also the view of Abu Al-'Aliyah, Mujahid and Ar-Rabi' bin Anas.