Surah Al-Ahzab — Verse 68

Word Meanings:

• ضِعْفَيْنِ (diʿfayni): Twofold, double — meaning twice the punishment.
• الْعَنْهُمْ (al-ʿanhum): Curse them — meaning to cast them away from Allah’s mercy.
• لَعْنًا كَبِيرًا (laʿnan kabīran): A great curse — a severe and immense exclusion from divine mercy.

Tafsir (Explanation):

On the Day of Judgment, the disbelievers will turn to their Lord in utter regret and humility, saying: "Our Lord, we obeyed our leaders and elders who led us into misguidance and polytheism. They turned us away from the path of guidance and faith." Then they will plead: "Our Lord, give them double the punishment You give us — twice the torment — and cast them out of Your mercy with a mighty curse."

This supplication reflects the deep remorse of those who were misled, and their recognition that their leaders bore greater responsibility for leading them astray. The verse highlights a profound truth: those who call others to falsehood and misguidance carry a heavier burden, as they are punished not only for their own disbelief but also for the sins of those they misled.

The verse also serves as a stern warning to every Muslim: blind obedience to anyone who contradicts Allah’s commands and His Messenger’s guidance leads to ruin. Both the follower and the leader share in the punishment, but the leaders who initiated the misguidance receive an even greater share. This is a call to be vigilant in choosing whom we follow, and to anchor our obedience in Allah and His Messenger alone.

Daʿwah Reflection:

This verse is a powerful reminder of the mercy of Allah in this life — He has sent us the Qur’an and the Sunnah as a clear guide, so that we may never fall into the trap of blind following. It is also a call to take personal responsibility for our faith. Do not let anyone — no matter how influential or prestigious — lead you away from the straight path. The Qur’an is your compass, and the Prophet ﷺ is your perfect example. Hold fast to them, and you will never be among those who cry out in regret on that Day. Moreover, let this verse inspire you to be a source of guidance for others, not a cause of their misguidance. For whoever guides others to good receives a reward like theirs, and whoever leads others to evil bears a burden like theirs — and the punishment of the leaders of misguidance is doubled. Choose today to be among the guided and the guiding, and you will taste the sweetness of faith in this world and the ultimate success in the Hereafter.