Surah Sad — Verse 62

Word Meanings:

• "Rijālan" (men): Here it refers to specific individuals, namely the poor and weak believers.
• "Naʿudduhum" (we used to count them): Meaning we used to consider and regard them.
• "Al-Ashrār" (the wicked/evil ones): The arrogant disbelievers used this term to describe the righteous believers, considering them lowly and despicable.

Tafsir (Explanation):

On the Day of Judgment, as the arrogant tyrants find themselves cast into the blazing Fire, they look around in bewilderment and ask: "What is the matter with us? Why do we not see the men whom we used to count among the wicked?" They are referring to the poor and weak Muslims whom they mocked and belittled in the worldly life. These tyrants had assumed that such humble people—who had no wealth, status, or power—would surely end up in Hell alongside them. Yet now, they do not see them in the Fire, and this fills them with confusion and distress.

They then realize with regret and sorrow that those very people they despised are now in the highest gardens of Paradise, while they themselves are in the lowest depths of punishment. Their mockery and arrogance in the world were completely misguided, and now the truth is clear to them, but it is too late. This verse captures their shock and the reversal of fortunes—those who were humiliated in the world are honored in the Hereafter, and those who were arrogant are now disgraced.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This powerful scene should awaken every soul to the reality that true honor lies not in wealth, status, or worldly power, but in faith, humility, and righteousness. The people whom the arrogant ones mocked in this world—the sincere believers who prayed, fasted, and submitted to Allah—are the very ones who will be saved and honored on that momentous Day. So never look down upon the poor, the weak, or the simple believers around you. Their station with Allah may be far greater than yours. And if you find yourself among those who are mocked for their faith, take heart—for the end of the righteous is Paradise, and the end of the mockers is the Fire. Let this verse be a reminder to purify your heart from arrogance and to love and respect all believers, for you do not know who among you is most beloved to Allah.