يَـٰوَيْلَتَىٰ لَيْتَنِى لَمْ أَتَّخِذْ فُلَانًا خَلِيلًا 28
Translations
Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend.
Transliteration
Ya waylata laytani lam attakhidh fulanaan khalilan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah depicts the regret of a disbeliever on the Day of Judgment, lamenting that he took a specific companion (often understood as Iblis or a misguiding friend) as an intimate friend and confidant. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that this represents the sorrow of those who followed corrupt companions into misguidance, emphasizing how bad companionship leads to spiritual ruin. The ayah illustrates the consequences of choosing friends based on worldly interests rather than divine guidance and righteousness.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Al-Furqan's broader discussion of the Day of Judgment and the states of the damned. The context describes various scenes of remorse and regret in the Afterlife, with this particular verse exemplifying how misguided friendships become sources of eternal regret. It connects to the surah's theme of distinguishing truth from falsehood (Al-Furqan).
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'A person follows the religion of his friend, so let each of you be careful about whom he takes as a friend' (Tirmidhi 3800, graded Hasan). Additionally, the Quran mentions in 25:29 that the companion (often interpreted as Iblis) will say on the Day of Judgment: 'Indeed, you led me astray from the remembrance after it had come to me' (Surah Al-Furqan 25:29).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah serves as a profound warning to carefully choose companions who encourage piety and obedience to Allah, as our friends profoundly influence our spiritual journey. It reminds believers that regret over poor choices, though sincere, cannot change one's fate once in the Afterlife, making conscious, righteous choices in this life essential.