25. [al-Furqan, Mecca 42]

Asad’s Version:

(25:28) Oh, woe is me! Would that I had not taken so-and-so for a friend!

(25:29) Indeed, he led me astray from the remembrance (of God] after it had come unto me!" For (thus it is:] Satan is ever a betrayer of man. 22

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

يَا وَيْلَتَى لَيْتَنِي لَمْ أَتَّخِذْ فُلَانًا خَلِيلًا ﴿٢٨﴾

25:28. "Ah! woe is me! would that I had never taken such a one for a friend!

لَقَدْ أَضَلَّنِي عَنِ الذِّكْرِ بَعْدَ إِذْ جَاءنِي...

25: 29. "He did lead me astray from the Message (of Allah) after it had come to me!

... وَكَانَ الشَّيْطَانُ لِلْإِنسَانِ خَذُولًا ﴿٢٩﴾

Ah! the Evil One is but a traitor to man!

C3085. The seductive wiles of the Satan are merely meant for snares. There is fraud and treachery in them. The deceived ones are left in the lurch after the way of escape is made impossible for them.

[[ Asad’s notes - 21 Lit., "taken a path with the apostle". The terms "the apostle" and "the evildoer" are here obviously used in their generic sense, applying to all of God's apostles and all who consciously reject their guidance. Similarly, the expression so-and-so" (fulan) occurring in the next verse circumscribes any person or personified influence responsible for leading a human being astray.

22 For the implication of the term "Satan" as used here, see note 10 on 2:14, first half of note 16 on 15:17, as well as note 31 on 14:22. ]]