(And even so) just as your own folk said (We sent not a warner) a warning prophet (before thee (Muhammad) into any township) to the inhabitants of any township (but its luxurious ones) the tyrants among them (said: Lo! We found our fathers following a religion) following this religion, (and we are following their footprints) and we are emulating their religion and actions.
- 43:2323
وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ قَبْلِكَ فِي قَرْيَةٍ مِنْ نَذِيرٍ إِلَّا قَالَ مُتْرَفُوهَا إِنَّا وَجَدْنَا آبَاءَنَا عَلَىٰ أُمَّةٍ وَإِنَّا عَلَىٰ آثَارِهِمْ مُقْتَدُونَ
And similarly, whenever We sent a Herald of Warning before you (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) into any town, its wealthy people said, “We found our forefathers upon a religion, and we are behind their footsteps.”
- common.revelation-Meccan
- common.hizb : 196