قَالَ تَٱللَّهِ إِن كِدتَّ لَتُرْدِينِ 56
Translations
He will say, "By Allāh, you almost ruined me.
Transliteration
Qāla tallāhi in kidta laturdīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah depicts a scene from the Day of Judgment where one of the people of Paradise addresses his companion who was with him in the worldly life, saying: 'By Allah, you almost caused me to be ruined/destroyed.' The speaker is referring to how his companion's influence and actions in the dunya nearly led him astray from the path of righteousness. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this reflects the gravity of negative peer influence and how one's companions can either guide or mislead them toward destruction in the afterlife.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah As-Saffat (Chapter 37), a Meccan surah that describes scenes of the Day of Judgment and emphasizes monotheism. The broader context (37:50-61) presents a dialogue between two inhabitants—one from Paradise and one questioning about the nature of the afterlife—illustrating the stark contrast between the saved and the lost based on their choices and associations in the worldly life.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'A person is upon the religion of his khalīl (close friend), so let each of you look to whom he takes as a khalīl' (Sunan Abu Dawud 4833, Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2378). This hadith directly relates to the theme of how companions influence one's spiritual state and ultimate destiny.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us to be mindful of the company we keep, as our friends and associates profoundly shape our moral and spiritual journey, ultimately affecting our eternal fate. We should surround ourselves with those who encourage piety and righteousness, while distancing ourselves from those whose influence leads us away from Allah's path.