Surah Al-Hijr — Verse 65

Word Meanings:

• Fa-asri — Travel by night; specifically, to set out during the hours of darkness.
• Bi-qit'in min al-layl — After a portion of the night has passed; i.e., in the latter part of the night, before dawn.
• Ittabi' adbarahum — Follow behind them; walk at their rear to ensure no one lags behind.
• Wa la yaltafit minkum ahad — Let none of you look back; do not turn around to see what is happening behind you.
• Wa-mdu haysu tu'marun — Proceed to the place you are commanded to go; i.e., the land of al-Sham (Greater Syria), as instructed by Allah.

Explanation of the Verse:

After the angels delivered the glad tidings to Prophet Lot (peace be upon him) and reassured him that his people would be destroyed at dawn, they commanded him to act swiftly. They said: "Depart with your family during the last part of the night, when darkness prevails and people are deep in sleep. Walk behind them, guarding them, so that none of them falls behind or strays. And let no one among you turn back to look—for what is about to befall your people is a terrifying punishment, and looking back would only bring grief and horror. Instead, press forward with determination to the place your Lord has commanded you to go, where you will be safe and protected."

This command carried both practical wisdom and spiritual depth. By leaving at night, Prophet Lot ensured secrecy and safety from the wicked who might try to stop him. By walking behind his family, he embodied the role of a caring leader and protector, ensuring every believer was accounted for. The prohibition against looking back was not merely about physical turning—it was a lesson in complete trust in Allah's plan. When Allah commands you to move, you move with full conviction, leaving the past and its horrors behind, without hesitation or regret.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This verse teaches us a profound lesson in faith and obedience. Just as Prophet Lot was commanded to leave the city of sin without looking back, we too are called to leave behind our past transgressions and environments of disobedience when we embrace the path of Allah. The command "do not look back" is a beautiful metaphor for repentance: once you turn to Allah, do not dwell on what you have left behind—your sins, your old habits, or the people who mocked you. Allah has prepared a safe haven for the believers, just as He prepared a place of safety for Lot and his family. Trust in His command, move forward with courage, and never let the fear of what lies behind you weaken your resolve to reach what lies ahead—the mercy and pleasure of your Lord. This is the way of the believers: they march where they are commanded, with hearts full of reliance on Allah, and He never abandons those who put their trust in Him.