Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Until you visit the graves (i.e. till you die).
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
حَتَّىٰḥattāUntil
زُرْتُمُzur'tumuyou visit
ٱلْمَقَابِرَl-maqābirathe graves
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 2) {حَتّٰىزُرْتُمُالْمَقَابِرَ: ’’ زُرْتُمْ‘‘ ’’زَارَيَزُوْرُزِيَارَةً‘‘} (n) (to go to meet) is in the past tense. {’’ الْمَقَابِرَ ‘‘ ’’مَقْبَرَةٌ‘‘} is the plural of {’’قَبَرَيَقْبُرُقَبْرًا‘‘} (n) (to bury), which is an adverb of place, burial places, graveyards. The meaning of {’’ زُرْتُمُالْمَقَابِرَ ‘‘} (to visit the graveyards) is that your death has come, that is, this heedlessness persisted until death came, in fact, as death drew nearer, the intoxication of this heedlessness increased. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: [ يَكْبَرُابْنُآدَمَ،وَيَكْبَرُمَعَهُاثْنَتَانِحُبُّالْمَالِ،وَطُوْلُالْعُمُرِ ][ بخاري، الرقاق، باب من بلغ ستین سنۃ… : ۶۴۲۱ ] "A man grows old, and two things grow with him: love of wealth and love of long life."
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
2. 1. It means that while striving for acquisition, death overtook you and you reached the graves.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
Until you reach the graves [2].
[2] In pursuit of these things, a person spends his entire life, and his attention remains diverted from things that are far more important. And those more important things are: the remembrance of Allah Almighty, adherence to moral boundaries and restrictions, fulfillment of the rights of those entitled, and concern for one's Hereafter. By remaining heedless of such matters, he remains engrossed only in the attainment of the desires of the self until death overtakes him. In some narrations, it is mentioned that once two tribes were boasting about the large numbers of their respective groups. When, upon counting, the men of one tribe turned out to be fewer than the other, the defeated tribe said, "So many of our men have been killed in such-and-such battle. Indeed, go and count the graves; there you will find out how much greater our numbers are than yours, and what renowned individuals have passed among us." Saying this, they began to count the graves. This surah was revealed to warn them against such ignorance. As for the authenticity of this narration, Allah knows best; however, from one perspective, it beautifully clarifies the subject matter. Nevertheless, the following hadith in this regard is authentic and worthy of being cited as evidence: Abdullah bin Shukhair came to the Prophet ﷺ while he was reciting this surah. Then the Prophet ﷺ said: "The son of Adam says: 'This is my wealth, this is my wealth.' Yet your wealth is only that which you have given in charity and sent forth, or that which you have consumed and used up, or that which you have worn and worn out." [ترمذي۔ ابواب التفسير]