التفسير التبليغي
(وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُمْ مِنْ قَرْنٍ هُمْ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُمْ بَطْشاً فَنَقَّبُوا فِي الْبِلَادِ هَلْ مِنْ مَحِيصٍ) (36)
How many generations before them did We destroy, who were mightier than them in power? They traversed through the lands. Was there any escape?
All those who were before Quraysh were stronger than them.
(فَنَقَّبُوا فِي الْبِلَادِ) Ibn Abbas said: They left their mark upon it, building strong fortresses and lofty dwellings. They journeyed through the lands and traveled widely.
(فَنَقَّبُوا فِي الْبِلَادِ) Traversing through the lands: striving to cause corruption in them, and using their power to tyrannize over people.
(هَلْ مِنْ مَحِيصٍ) Meaning: Was there any escape for them from Allah's decree and destiny? And did what they amassed benefit them or repel Allah's punishment from them?
Source: التفسير التبليغي