Surah As-Sajdah — Verse 22

Word Meanings:

• Dhukkira (ذُكِّرَ): Reminded, admonished, or exhorted.
• Aʿraḍa (أَعْرَضَ): Turned away, ignored, or deliberately disregarded.
• Al-Mujrimīn (الْمُجْرِمِينَ): The criminals, the guilty, those who persist in sin and disbelief.
• Muntaqimūn (مُنتَقِمُونَ): We are taking vengeance, avenging, or inflicting just retribution.

Tafsir (Explanation):

There is no one more unjust or oppressive to their own soul than a person who is reminded of the signs of their Lord—whether through the verses of the Qur’an, the lessons of creation, or the warnings of the prophets—and then deliberately turns away from them, refusing to reflect, learn, or submit. This turning away is not mere forgetfulness; it is an arrogant dismissal, a conscious choice to ignore the truth after it has been made clear. Such a person has no excuse before Allah, for the reminder reached them, yet they rejected it.

Allah then declares with absolute certainty: "Indeed, We will take vengeance upon the criminals." This is a solemn promise from the Almighty—the One whose power knows no limits—that those who persist in disbelief and sin, who turn away from His signs, will not escape His justice. The retribution is inevitable, whether in this world or the Hereafter, and no power can shield them from it.

This verse carries a profound warning and a heartfelt call: O servant of Allah, when the truth reaches you, do not harden your heart. The Qur’an is not a burden; it is a mercy. Every verse that touches your ears is an invitation to salvation, a rope extended to pull you from darkness into light. How great is the loss of one who hears the words of their Creator—words that could reform their life, purify their soul, and secure their eternity—yet walks away as if they heard nothing!

Let this be a moment of reflection for every reader: Have you ever received a reminder and turned away? Have you delayed your repentance, thinking you have time? Today, the door of mercy is still open. Do not wait until the punishment arrives, for when Allah’s vengeance descends, no plea will be accepted. Embrace the signs of your Lord now, with humility and sincerity, and you will find Him the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful. But know with certainty that His justice for the defiant is equally real—so be among those who respond, not those who regret.