تَٱللَّهِ إِن كُنَّا لَفِى ضَلَـٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ 97
Translations
"By Allāh, we were indeed in manifest error
Transliteration
Tallahi in kunna lafee dalalin mubeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah records the words of those who will be in Hell, swearing by Allah that they were indeed in clear error and misguidance during their worldly life. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this represents a moment of regretful acknowledgment where the people of Hell recognize and confess their deviation from the truth, though such admission comes too late for them. The phrase 'dalalin mubeen' (clear misguidance) emphasizes that their error was not one of ambiguity but of obvious deviation from the signs and guidance that were presented to them.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Ash-Shu'ara, a Meccan chapter that discusses various prophets and their peoples' rejection of divine guidance. Verse 97 is part of a passage (verses 94-98) describing the dialogue in Hell, where the disbelievers confess their error and blame their leaders who led them astray from the remembrance of Allah.
Related Hadiths
The theme relates to Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim's reports on the Day of Judgment where disbelievers acknowledge their misguidance. Additionally, the hadith in Tirmidhi about regret on the Day of Judgment reflects this moment of too-late realization of one's error.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that clarity about truth and error will come to all people, but for those in Hell, such recognition is meaningless and brings only eternal regret. We are urged to seek guidance and truth in this life while repentance remains possible, rather than waiting for the Hereafter when such admissions cannot change our fate.