Surah Al-Furqan — Verse 27

Word Meanings:

• يَعَضُّ الظَّالِمُ عَلَى يَدَيْهِ — The wrongdoer bites his hands, an expression of extreme regret, remorse, and anguish.
• سَبِيلًا — A path, meaning a way of guidance and salvation, specifically the path of faith and following the Messenger (ﷺ).

Tafsir (Explanation):

On that Day — the Day of Judgment — the one who wronged himself by rejecting faith and disobeying his Lord will be seized by overwhelming regret. He will bite his own hands in sheer sorrow and despair, crying out: *"Oh, would that I had taken a path with the Messenger!"* — meaning, *"Would that I had followed him, believed in his message, and walked the road he called me to — the road to Paradise and eternal success."*

This verse was revealed regarding a specific person who had inclined toward Islam but was led astray by an evil companion who discouraged him from the truth. Yet the lesson is universal: every soul that turned away from the guidance brought by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) will feel this same crushing regret when the reality of the Hereafter becomes clear — but then, it will be too late.

The wrongdoer will also cry out, as the following verses show: *"Oh, would that I had not taken so-and-so as a close friend! He led me away from the Reminder (the Qur'an) after it had come to me."* And indeed, Satan is ever a betrayer of man.

A Call to Reflection and Action:

Dear reader — this scene is not meant to frighten you into despair, but to awaken you while there is still time. The door of repentance is open, and the path with the Messenger (ﷺ) is still before you. Every prayer you pray, every sin you abandon, every step you take toward Allah is a step on that blessed path. Do not wait until the Day when hands are bitten and tears are shed in vain. Choose your companions wisely, for a righteous friend will pull you toward Paradise, while an evil one may drag you toward the Fire. Be among those who, on that Day, will rejoice — not regret — for they took the path with the Messenger (ﷺ) in this world, and they will be with him in the highest gardens of eternity. May Allah make us among them.