Surah An-Nisa — Verse 167

Word Meanings:

• Kafaroo (كَفَرُوا): They disbelieved, rejected the truth, and denied the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him).
• Wa Saddoo (وَصَدُّوا): They hindered and turned people away.
• ‘An Sabeelillah (عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ): From the path of Allah — the path of guidance, Islam, and the straight way that leads to Allah’s pleasure and Paradise.
• Qad Dalloo (قَدْ ضَلُّوا): They have indeed gone astray and deviated from the truth.
• Dalalan Ba‘eeda (ضَلَالًا بَعِيدًا): A far-reaching, profound misguidance — not a minor slip, but a deep and distant departure from the right path.

Explanation of the Verse:

In this noble verse, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) declares a decisive truth about those who combine two grave sins: disbelief in the message of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and actively turning others away from the path of Allah — the path of Islam and true guidance. These people did not merely err themselves; they also blocked others from reaching the light of faith. They concealed the truth about the Prophet’s description and message, and they used every means to prevent people from embracing the religion of Allah.

Allah describes their state with a powerful verdict: they have gone astray with a profound and distant misguidance. This is because they combined misguidance with leading others astray — they were both misguided themselves and misguiding others. Their error was not a small mistake or a momentary confusion; rather, it was a deep, cumulative deviation that took them far from the truth, and they persisted in it while inviting others to join them in their ruin.

This verse serves as a stern warning and a source of reflection for every believer. It teaches us that the most severe loss is not merely to disbelieve, but to combine disbelief with obstructing others from the path of Allah. It also reassures the believers that the efforts of those who oppose the truth will never succeed, for Allah’s guidance prevails, and His religion will be made manifest regardless of their schemes.

A Call to Reflection and Action:

Dear reader, reflect on the gravity of this verse. The one who disbelieves and also prevents others from the path of Allah has earned a double loss — misguidance in this world and a painful punishment in the Hereafter. Yet, the door of repentance remains open for whoever returns to Allah sincerely. Allah is Forgiving and Merciful, and He accepts the repentance of those who turn back to Him with a pure heart.

Let this verse inspire you to be a caller to the path of Allah with wisdom and beautiful preaching. Do not be among those who hinder others from goodness; rather, be among those who guide others to it, for the one who guides to good has a reward like the reward of the one who does it. And know that the path of Allah — the path of faith, righteousness, and the Sunnah of His Prophet (peace be upon him) — is the only path that leads to true success and eternal happiness. Walk upon it with steadfastness, and invite others to it with kindness and patience, for Allah is with those who strive in His cause.