أَوْ تَقُولَ لَوْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ هَدَىٰنِى لَكُنتُ مِنَ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ 57
Translations
Or [lest] it say, "If only Allāh had guided me, I would have been among the righteous."
Transliteration
Aw taqoolu law anna Allaha hadani lakuntu mina al-muttaqeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah depicts the regretful speech of the inhabitants of Hell on the Day of Judgment, expressing a wishful counterfactual: 'Or [lest] you say, "If only Allah had guided me, I would have been among the righteous."' Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this verse refutes the false excuse of those who reject divine guidance, as Allah has provided sufficient signs and messengers. The ayah indicates that guidance is available to all, and those who reject it cannot blame Allah for their misguidance on the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Az-Zumar (The Troops), a Meccan surah that discusses the Day of Judgment and the excuses people will make before Allah. It is part of a broader passage (39:56-60) where the inhabitants of Hell express their regrets and false excuses, highlighting the reality that guidance was offered but rejected during their earthly lives.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; if he is not able to do so, then with his heart—and that is the weakest of faith' (Sahih Muslim 49). Additionally, the hadith about the seventy thousand from the Ummah entering Paradise without account emphasizes that guidance and righteous action are within human capability (Sahih Bukhari 5760).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that we cannot blame Allah for our spiritual failures or lack of guidance, as He has provided clear signs and messages through His messengers and creation. The lesson for modern readers is to take personal responsibility for seeking guidance, acting upon knowledge, and striving for righteousness rather than making excuses or attributing our failures to external circumstances.