The Warning of Doom

In Surah Al-Mursalat, Allah mentions the word "Wail" ten times. "Wail" means woe or doom. The question is, who is this doom for? Allah directs it towards those who do not want to listen, do not want to believe, and do not want to follow what the Qur'an says.

Imagine, Allah has already given us clear guidance through the Qur'an. Yet, there are people who are stubborn. When the Qur'an says one thing, they say another. When Allah forbids something, they find a way to justify it. When Allah commands something, they do it half-heartedly or not at all. For example, when it comes to sustenance, Allah commands us to seek halal (permissible) income, but some people take it lightly—resorting to lying, taking interest (riba), or engaging in bribery—as if the consequences of haram income won't affect their lives. They think as long as they have abundance, they are fine. But Allah has said, woe to those who do not follow what the Qur'an commands.

The same goes for maintaining relationships with others. In the Qur'an, Allah emphasizes the importance of keeping family ties, being kind to parents, avoiding gossip, and watching our tongues so we don't hurt others. But what do we see today? Families fighting over inheritance, breaking ties over minor misunderstandings, gossiping and slandering others on social media—as if we have never heard Allah's warnings. Yet Allah says "Wail"—woe to those who don't listen and don't practice what the Qur'an teaches.

If Allah Himself says "woe," do we still think we are safe? If Allah says "woe," do we still want to act like it's not serious? There's no way those who face Allah's wrath will be safe, because this warning comes from the All-Knowing Lord. That's why, for those who truly believe, reading the Qur'an should make them tremble in fear of this warning. They should feel scared, afraid that they might be among those whom Allah says are doomed. If we read this verse and feel nothing, we need to reflect. Allah says in the Qur'an that one of the characteristics of true believers is that when they hear the verses of Allah, their hearts tremble and their faith increases.

Allah gives a very clear example, but people still want to follow their desires and the whispers of Shaytan. When reminded about riba (interest), some people say, "Everyone does it, there's no way around it." When reminded about gossiping, they say, "It's normal, everyone gossips." Look at how people make excuses to not follow the Qur'an, as if what the Qur'an says is no longer relevant. But Allah, who created us, knows what's best for us. If we abandon His guidance and follow human guidance instead, can that really save us from destruction?

At the end of the Surah, Allah asks a question that truly hits home. "If you don't want to follow what the Qur'an says, then who do you want to follow?" Do we want to follow human sayings? Can human guidance guarantee our safety like the Qur'an can? If Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, who created us and knows what's best for us, has given us clear guidance, why are we still looking elsewhere? Why are we still turning away and choosing to listen to others?

So, let's return to the Qur'an. Not just reading it, but understanding and practicing it. Don't let Allah's warning of woe be directed at us. Don't let ourselves be among those whom Allah says "Wail" about. Allah is the Most Merciful—He gives us these warnings so we can return to Him and be safe. Every warning from Allah is an opportunity for us to reflect and repent. Don't wait until it's too late.

Wallahu a'lam. May we all be given guidance to become obedient servants and avoid all that Allah forbids, so we may be safe in this world and in the Hereafter.