Surah Al-Hijr — Verse 2

Word Meanings:

• Rubama (رُبَمَا): Often, or it may happen that — indicating that this wish will certainly occur at its appointed time.
• Yawaddu (يَوَدُّ): To wish, desire, or long for something deeply.
• Alladhina Kafaru (الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا): Those who covered the truth and rejected faith in Allah and His messengers.
• Law Kanu Muslimin (لَوْ كَانُوا مُسْلِمِينَ): If only they had been submissive to Allah, accepting His oneness and following His guidance.

Explanation of the Verse:

Allah informs us of a profound reality that will unfold on the Day of Judgment: those who rejected faith in this world will deeply wish — at a moment when such a wish will be of no avail — that they had been Muslims. This wish will strike them when they witness the believers being saved and admitted into Paradise, while they themselves face the horrors of the Fire. They will see the disobedient believers being brought out of Hell after being purified, and they will long to have been among those who submitted to Allah in their earthly life, so that they too might be rescued.

This wish will arise at multiple moments: when they see the truth clearly and realize the falsehood they followed; when they enter the Fire and witness the bliss of the believers in Paradise; and when they see even sinful Muslims eventually saved through their faith. At that point, the scales will fall from their eyes, and they will understand that Islam — submission to the Creator — was the only path to salvation. But regret and longing will not change their fate, for the time of action has passed.

A Call to Reflection:

This verse is a mercy and a warning from Allah to us before that Day arrives. It tells us that the value of Islam is not merely theoretical — it is the key to eternal success. The disbelievers will realize this truth when it is too late, and their wish will only increase their anguish. But for us, the door of repentance and faith is still open. Every moment we breathe is an opportunity to strengthen our submission to Allah, to increase our love for His Messenger ﷺ, and to live as true Muslims — not only in name, but in heart, speech, and action.

Let this verse inspire you to cherish the greatest blessing you have: the gift of Islam. Do not take it lightly, and do not delay in drawing closer to Allah. For on that Day, the believers will be in gardens of delight, while the regret of the disbelievers will be a fire upon their souls. May Allah keep us firm upon the truth and make us among those who are gladdened by their faith — both in this life and the next.