Surah Hud (11) — Ayah 56
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
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.
➋ {مَا مِنْ دَآبَّةٍ اِلَّا هُوَ اٰخِذٌۢ بِنَاصِيَتِهَا: ’’ نَاصِيَةٌ ‘‘} Refers to the hair of the forehead; if someone is firmly seized from here, he cannot move, but is completely in the grip of the one holding him, as Allah Almighty has said: «{ لَنَسْفَعًۢا بِالنَّاصِيَةِ }» [ العلق : ۱۵ ] "So We will surely drag him by the hair of the forehead." Regarding the criminals, it is said that they will be recognized by their marks: «{ فَيُؤْخَذُ بِالنَّوَاصِيْ وَ الْاَقْدَامِ }» [ الرحمٰن : ۴۱ ] "Then (they will be) seized by the hair of the forehead and the feet." The purpose is that Allah Almighty has given you choice in matters of Shariah beliefs and rulings: if you accept, you will be rewarded; if you do not, you will be punished. But you became arrogant over this and considered yourselves masters of your own will in every way. First of all, by betraying the Owner who gave you choice in following the Shariah rulings, you made His creation His partners, then openly violated His commands, denied His Messenger, and did not consider that despite having a little choice, not only you but the entire creation is completely in His grip and He has seized their forelocks; they cannot move without His will. Now, just as you arrogantly misuse your choice in Shariah rulings and say, "We do not accept Allah, our provider is so-and-so, our helper is so-and-so, we do not accept the Messenger, our master and guide is so-and-so," if you are truly so free, then show your arrogance in those matters as well in which when He {’’كُنْ‘‘} says, it immediately happens. When you fall ill, try saying that no one can make us sick, no one can make us old, no one can turn our hair white. If you and your gods are truly so powerful, then when the heart stops by Allah's command, try to restart it. Similarly, at the time of death, be arrogant and say, "Go, we will not die," or let your partners say, "We will not let our servant die." It is clear that even with this little choice, you are completely in the full control of my Lord. Then, when He Himself has sent me and He is my supporter and I trust only in Him, what fear do I have of you? Go, do whatever you wish.
➌ {اِنَّ رَبِّيْ عَلٰى صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيْمٍ:} One meaning of this is: "Whoever walks on the straight path meets Him." (Muwaddih) In Surah An-Nahl it is said: «{ وَ عَلَى اللّٰهِ قَصْدُ السَّبِيْلِ وَ مِنْهَا جَآىِٕرٌ }» [ النحل : ۹ ] "And the straight path leads to Allah, and among them are some (paths) that are crooked." The second meaning is that although He has control over every living being and can treat them as He wills, yet He is on the straight path, He does not wrong anyone. (Ibn Kathir)
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.
56. 2. That is, the call to monotheism that I am giving is indeed the straight path; by following it, you can attain salvation and success, and turning away or deviating from this straight path leads to destruction and ruin.
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.
[63] That is, every movement and every action of every living being is under the control and authority of Allah. No living being can escape Allah’s management and His grasp; whenever He wills, He can punish it and can also cause it to face death.
[64]
The Meaning of the Lord’s Straight Path:
Despite this immense control, Allah Almighty is upon the straight path of justice and fairness; He never commits excess or injustice against anyone. However, at times, He certainly forgives the mistakes of His servants. Its other meaning could also be that those who walk upon the straight path shown by Allah, Allah is always with them and protects them at every moment.
