وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذِ ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ نَاكِسُوا۟ رُءُوسِهِمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ رَبَّنَآ أَبْصَرْنَا وَسَمِعْنَا فَٱرْجِعْنَا نَعْمَلْ صَـٰلِحًا إِنَّا مُوقِنُونَ 12
Translations
If you could but see when the criminals are hanging their heads before their Lord, [saying], "Our Lord, we have seen and heard, so return us [to the world]; we will work righteousness. Indeed, we are [now] certain."
Transliteration
Wa law tara idhi al-mujrimun nakisu ru'usihim inda rabbihim rabbana absarna wa sami'na farji'na na'mal salihan inna muqninun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah depicts the scene on the Day of Judgment when criminals will stand before Allah with their heads bowed in shame and regret, saying: 'Our Lord, we have now seen and heard (the truth), so send us back so we may do righteous deeds.' According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this represents their desperate wish for a second chance after witnessing the reality of the Hereafter, yet their plea will be rejected as the time for action has passed. The ayah emphasizes that recognition of truth without prior commitment to faith is insufficient—their newfound certainty (iqan) comes too late to benefit them.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah As-Sajdah (a Meccan surah), which discusses the creation of humanity, the Day of Judgment, and the consequences of disbelief and rejection of Allah's signs. The passage contextually follows descriptions of those who turn away from Allah's message, and this particular verse illustrates the ultimate regret and powerlessness of disbelievers when confronted with divine reality in the afterlife.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned that on the Day of Judgment, every soul will know what it has sent forward and kept back (2:134). Additionally, Surah Al-Mu'minun 23:99-100 contains a similar theme of disbelievers' regret and request to return, mentioned in Tafsir At-Tabari as commentary on this state of affairs.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that sincere belief and righteous action must occur in this worldly life while the soul is still able to turn to Allah; regret and recognition of truth in the afterlife cannot undo the choices made during one's earthly existence. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder to seize the opportunity for repentance and good deeds now, before death arrives.