They—that is, those who associate partners with Allah and reject His Messenger—combine going astray with leading others astray. They prevent people from following the truth, warn them against it, and keep themselves far from it. By doing so, they will not harm Allah or His believing servants in the least. “But they destroy none but themselves, though they do not perceive it”—that is, they are unaware of this.

(27–29) “If only you could see when they are made to stand before the Fire and say, ‘If only we could be sent back! Then we would not deny the signs of our Lord, and we would be among the believers.’ *”

Allah Most High describes the state of the polytheists on the Day of Resurrection, when they are brought before the Fire: “If only you could see when they are made to stand before the Fire” to be rebuked and reprimanded, you would behold a dreadful scene and a horrifying condition. You would see how they acknowledge their own disbelief and iniquity and wish that they could be sent back to this world.

“They said, ‘If only we could be sent back! Then we would not deny the signs of our Lord, and we would be among the believers.’ * Rather, what they had concealed before became apparent to them.” They had concealed within themselves the knowledge that they were liars, although it would become evident in their hearts on many occasions. Yet their corrupt aims barred them from that and turned their hearts away from good. They are lying in making this wish; their only purpose is to use it to ward off the punishment from themselves.