Surah Al-Mutaffifin — Verse 32

Word Meanings:

• Ra'awhum (رَأَوْهُمْ): When they saw them — i.e., when the disbelievers saw the believers.
• La-Dalloon (لَضَالُّونَ): Surely astray, misguided, having deviated from the path of truth.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse continues to describe the attitude of the wicked criminals toward the believers in this worldly life. After mentioning that the disbelievers used to laugh at the believers and wink at one another when passing by them, and that they would return to their families amused and joking about them, Allah now reveals another layer of their arrogance and mockery.

When these disbelievers saw the believers — the companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) — who had embraced faith and followed the guidance brought by the Messenger, they would say with contempt and self-assurance: "Indeed, these people are truly astray!" They claimed that the believers had lost their way by abandoning the religion of their forefathers and following Muhammad (peace be upon him). In their misguided judgment, they considered themselves to be on the right path while the believers were the ones who had deviated.

Yet, the Quran immediately corrects this false perception by reminding us that these criminals were not appointed as guardians or watchers over the believers. They had no authority to judge them, nor was their opinion of any value. The true measure of guidance and misguidance rests solely with Allah, who knows the reality of all things.

A Call to Reflection and Faith:

Dear reader, ponder how the disbelievers of every era have always described the people of faith as "misguided" and "lost." This is not a new accusation — it was said to the prophets before Muhammad (peace be upon him), and it continues to be said today. When you choose to follow the straight path of Islam, some may label you as backward, extreme, or misguided. But remember that such labels come from those who measure truth by their own desires and the customs of their ancestors, not by divine revelation.

Take comfort in this verse, for it assures you that the mockery of the disbelievers is a sign that you are upon the truth. The Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions were mocked in exactly the same way, yet they remained steadfast, and Allah granted them victory and honor in this world and the next. So do not be saddened by the words of those who mock you for your faith — their judgment is worthless, and their end is near. On the Day of Judgment, the tables will be turned, and it will be the believers who laugh at the disbelievers, just as the disbelievers laughed at them in this world. That is the promise of Allah, and His promise is true.

Hold firm to your faith, for the path of guidance may seem narrow to those who are lost, but it leads to eternal bliss, while the wide road they tread leads only to ruin.