Surah Ar-Ra'd (13) — Ayah 11
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 {اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ …: } That is, as long as they do not replace good with evil and obedience with disobedience; however, when they begin to do so, Allah takes away His blessings from them and sends His punishment upon them. This is the same point Allah has mentioned with the example of the people of Pharaoh in Surah Al-Anfal (53, 54). For further examples, see Surah An-Nahl (112) and Saba (15 to 17). Note that here the law of the destruction of nations is being stated, not of individuals. The condition of a nation, whether good or bad, will be determined by whether good people are predominant or bad people. As for individuals, it is not necessary that a person must sin for punishment to descend upon him; rather, an innocent person may be caught up in the punishment for others’ sins, as Zaynab bint Jahsh (may Allah be pleased with her) reports that she asked: [ يَا رَسُوْلَ اللّٰهِ ! أَنَهْلِكُ وَفِيْنَا الصَّالِحُوْنَ، قَالَ نَعَمْ إِذَا كَثُرَ الْخَبَثُ ] [ بخاری، أحادیث الأنبیاء، باب قصۃ یأجوج و مأجوج : ۳۳۴۶ ] “O Messenger of Allah! Will we be destroyed even when there are righteous people among us?” He replied, “Yes, when wickedness (sin) becomes widespread.”
➌ {وَ اِذَاۤ اَرَادَ اللّٰهُ بِقَوْمٍ سُوْٓءًا …: } No matter how many scientific measures and arrangements for protection we make, or seek refuge with any saint, elder, idol, jinn, or angel, nothing can stand against the will of Allah.
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.
11. 2 For the explanation of this, see the footnote of Surah Al-Anfal, verse 53.
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.
[16]
Guardian Angels and Hidden Causes:
That is, in this world, not only apparent causes are at work, but there are also many hidden causes which man cannot see, and every person experiences this. Often we see that a person faces such a severe accident that, apparently, survival seems impossible, yet he remains completely safe from that accident. At such moments, these words spontaneously come to our tongues: "Whom Allah protects, who can harm him?" The clarification of these unseen causes is given in this verse, that these are not mere coincidences, but rather, there are angels appointed by Allah who protect a person from such terrifying situations and continue to guard him until his appointed time of death arrives. And when the time of death comes, then all of man's strategies become futile.
[17] For the explanation of this sentence, see the footnote of verse 53 of Surah Al-Anfal.
[18]
The Law of Rise and Fall of Nations:
The noteworthy point in the law of the rise and fall of nations is that when, collectively, a nation reaches the lowest depths of moral decline and becomes involved in the commission of sins, then from that very moment its downfall begins, even if, in worldly terms, it has reached the highest level of civilization and culture. After that, if it reforms itself, then good; otherwise, gradually, it is wiped out from this world. Then, no power can save it from its decline and downfall, nor can anything delay this punishment for even a short period.
