حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَنَا قَالَ يَـٰلَيْتَ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَكَ بُعْدَ ٱلْمَشْرِقَيْنِ فَبِئْسَ ٱلْقَرِينُ 38
Translations
Until, when he comes to Us [at Judgement], he says [to his companion], "How I wish there was between me and you the distance between the east and west; and what a wretched companion."
Transliteration
Hatta idha ja'ana qala ya layta baynee wa baynaka bu'da al-mashriqayn fa bi'sa al-qareen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the moment when a disbeliever meets Allah on the Day of Judgment and, seeing the reality of his companion (Satan) who led him astray, desperately wishes there were a distance between them as great as that between the two easts (east and west). Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that the disbeliever's regret comes too late, as he recognizes Satan as a terrible companion who deceived him throughout his worldly life. The ayah emphasizes how evil companions in this world become sources of eternal regret in the Hereafter.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of a broader Meccan surah addressing the consequences of disbelief and the deception of Satan. The passage (43:36-39) illustrates how Satan seduces humans in this life, making them forget their Lord, and how this relationship becomes a source of bitter regret on the Day of Judgment. The surah targets the polytheists of Mecca who were led astray by their desires and evil influences.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'A man is upon the deen (religion) of his khaleel (close friend), so let each of you look to whom he takes as a khaleel' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2378). Also relevant is the hadith about Satan's confession on the Day of Judgment denying responsibility while acknowledging he merely invited people to disbelief (Sahih Muslim 2813).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us to carefully choose our companions in this life, as they profoundly influence our spiritual path and our eternal destiny. The regret of the disbeliever serves as a powerful reminder that we should distance ourselves from those who lead us away from Allah's remembrance before it is too late.