Surah Al-Munafiqun — Verse 5

Word Meanings:

• لَوَّوْا رُءُوسَهُمْ (Lawwaw ru’oosahum): They twisted or tilted their heads — a gesture of mockery, disdain, and turning away in arrogance.
• يَصُدُّونَ (Yasuddoon): They turn away, refuse, and avert themselves from what they are called to.
• مُسْتَكْبِرُونَ (Mustakbiroon): Those who are filled with pride and arrogance, refusing to submit to the truth.

Explanation of the Verse:

When these hypocrites — particularly their leader, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salul — were told, “Come, let the Messenger of Allah ﷺ seek forgiveness for you; come and apologize for the hurtful words you have spoken, so that he may ask Allah to pardon your sins,” they did not respond with humility or repentance. Instead, they twisted their heads in scorn and mockery, as if the very suggestion was beneath them. You, O Prophet, could see them clearly turning away from the call to repentance, their faces and postures radiating pride and stubbornness. They refused to humble themselves before Allah or His Messenger, and their arrogance prevented them from accepting the path of forgiveness and mercy.

This verse exposes the deep-seated hypocrisy of those who claim faith with their tongues but whose hearts are filled with pride and rejection of guidance. When invited to the door of repentance — a door that Allah opens wide for every sinner — they sneer and walk away, as if seeking forgiveness were a humiliation rather than a blessing.

A Call to Reflection and Action:

Dear believer, look at the contrast between the hypocrites and the true believers. The hypocrites were invited to the greatest honor — to have the Prophet ﷺ himself pray for their forgiveness — yet they turned away in arrogance. How different are the sincere believers, who rush to every opportunity for repentance and draw closer to Allah!

This verse teaches us a profound lesson: never let pride prevent you from seeking forgiveness. No matter how great your sin, the door of tawbah (repentance) is always open. Allah loves those who turn back to Him, and He has sent His Messenger ﷺ as a mercy to mankind — a mercy that includes interceding for forgiveness for those who sincerely repent.

Do not be like those who mock the call to goodness. When you are invited to prayer, to repentance, or to any act of righteousness, respond with humility and eagerness. Arrogance is a trait of the hypocrites and the heedless; humility is the badge of the believers. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Allah does not look at your forms or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds” (Sahih Muslim).

So, hasten to seek Allah’s forgiveness every day. Say, “Astaghfirullah” with a sincere heart, and let your actions reflect your repentance. For Allah’s mercy is vast, and His forgiveness is greater than any sin you may have committed. Do not let Shaytan deceive you into thinking you are too proud to repent — for that is exactly the trap the hypocrites fell into. Be among those who say, “Our Lord, forgive us our sins and remove from us our misdeeds, and cause us to die among the righteous” (Qur’an 3:193).