Surah al-Qamar (The Moon ) 54 : 29

Explanatory Note

The surah then reverts to the narrative style, reporting what happened afterwards: "They called their friend, who took something and slew her." This friend belonged to a group of evildoers in their city. The group itself is described in the Qur'an thus: "There were in the city nine men who did evil deeds in the land, and would not do any good." (27: 48) This one in particular is given an even apter description: "their most hapless wretch." (91: 12)

It is reported that this man got himself so drunk that he did not hesitate to undertake the miserable deed of killing the she-camel God had sent them as a sign. Their messenger had warned them against harming her, as this would render them liable to God's punishment. "They called their friend, who took something and slew her." Thus the test ended and the punishment was incurred: "How grievous was My punishment and how true were My warnings?" (Verse 30)

It is a question meant to emphasize the seriousness of what happened before mentioning the punishment inflicted when the warnings were not heeded.