Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَمَآwamāAnd not
أَكْثَرُaktharumost
ٱلنَّاسِl-nāsi(of) the mankind
وَلَوْwalaweven though
حَرَصْتَḥaraṣtayou desire
بِمُؤْمِنِينَbimu'minīna(will be) believers
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.
(Ayah103){ وَمَاۤاَكْثَرُالنَّاسِ … :} After the revelation of Surah Yusuf, which was a clear proof of your prophethood, when your wish and expectation were not fulfilled that those who heard it would believe, then your being grieved over this was a natural thing. Allah gave comfort on this that despite your wish, most people, due to the dominance of Satan and their own desires, greed, envy, etc., will not believe. This is Allah’s decision and He alone fully knows its wisdoms. From this, the status of democracy, that is, giving the right of legislation to representatives of the majority, also becomes very clear, especially when they openly make and run laws against the commands of Allah and His Messenger.
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.
13. 1. That is, Allah Almighty is informing you of past events so that people may take heed from them and, by following the path of Allah’s messengers, become deserving of eternal salvation. But despite this, the majority of people do not believe, because they listen to the stories of previous nations not for taking heed, but only for interest and pleasure; therefore, they remain deprived of faith.
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.
103. And however much you desire [98], most of them are not going to believe.
[98] The disbelievers of Makkah had asked how the Children of Israel, who were settled in the land of Syria, reached Egypt. The detailed answer to this question has come in this story. Now, what should have happened is that they would have believed, but they did not ask the question so that if they received the correct answer, they would immediately believe. Rather, they asked the question so that they might find something that would further increase their distrust and disbelief, and through this, they could also mislead others. Therefore, merely because of your wish, these people will never become believers.