Being lost now doesn’t mean you’re lost forever.

There’s a verse in Surah Al-Qalam that is a powerful reminder of Allah’s ultimate knowledge and mercy:
إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ
“Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way and He is most knowing of those who are guided.” [68:7]

The word for “strayed” here, Ḍalla, doesn’t signify a permanent state. It suggests that someone who is astray now isn’t destined to remain that way forever. Guidance is always possible and the door to returning to Allah is never shut.

This teaching is transformational for how we see others—and ourselves. We live in a world quick to label and judge. But Allah teaches us that no label is final. People judged as “lost” by society might be on a journey of return. People dismissed as “nobodies” may be honored by Allah for their sincerity and commitment to guidance.

Take the example of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions. The elites of Makkah mocked him and his followers—slaves, youth and the poor. Yet Allah raised these so-called “nobodies” and made them the foundation of an Ummah that changed the world. Meanwhile, many of the elites who seemed unshakeable eventually found their way to faith.
So, what’s the takeaway for us?
Never give up on someone’s potential to change.
Remain humble, recognizing our own need for guidance.
Leave judgment to Allah, who knows best who is astray and who is guided.
This verse also reminds us of the weight of commitment. Those who strive to stay on the path of guidance are promised Allah’s help and protection. Guidance isn’t a label we wear—it’s a journey we must remain committed to every day.