Wa Alaikum As'salam sister,
TILKA means "these are" or "this is" (in the feminine), or "this is what". Here are the Noble Verses in question:
[027:052] Now such were فتلك their houses, بيوتهم - in utter ruin, خاوية - because they practised wrong- doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge.27:52 فتلك بيوتهم خاوية بما ظلموا ان في ذلك لاية لقوم يعلمون
[028:058] And how many populations We destroyed, which exulted in their life (of ease and plenty)! now those فتلك habitations of theirs, مساكنهم after them, are deserted,- All but a (miserable) few! لم تسكن من بعدهم الا قليلا and We are their heirs!28:58 وكم اهلكنا من قرية بطرت معيشتها فتلك مساكنهم لم تسكن من بعدهم الا قليلا وكنا نحن الوارثين
[022:045] How many populations have We destroyed, which were given to wrong-doing? They tumbled down on their roofs. And how many wells are lying idle and neglected, and castles lofty and well-built?22:45 فكاين من قرية اهلكناها وهي ظالمة فهي خاوية على عروشها وبئر معطلة وقصر مشيد
We see in all of the Noble Verses above, Allah Almighty is either referring to
actual ancient ruins that existed in certain places, or writings about people that were authentic, that detailed the destruction of certain people and their places. And it seems that people back then sometimes lived inside ancient ruins. It makes sense, since people back then were all primitive anyway. So the
ancient ruins looked similar to their current homes.
So regarding your question above:
Assalam alikum I was wondering if anyone can help I was wondering whether verses 27:52 and 28:58 and 22:45 are speaking in past or present tense in verse 27:52 and 28:58 it says (so these there dwellings ) the arabic word is til'ka so I was wondering whether these verses speaking in past or present tense jazzakkallah
It is speaking in both. The people were a people of the past, and their ancient ruins or what's been documented about them were the present.
I hope this helps, insha'Allah.
Take care,
Osama Abdallah
