سُوْرَةُ الرَّعْدِ
Surah Ar-Ra'd (13) — Ayah 18
لِلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَجَابُوا۟ لِرَبِّهِمُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يَسْتَجِيبُوا۟ لَهُۥ لَوْ أَنَّ لَهُم مَّا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا وَمِثْلَهُۥ مَعَهُۥ لَٱفْتَدَوْا۟ بِهِۦٓ ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ سُوٓءُ ٱلْحِسَابِ وَمَأْوَىٰهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ ۖ وَبِئْسَ ٱلْمِهَادُ ﴿18﴾
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
For those who answered their Lord’s Call [believed in the Oneness of Allâh and followed His Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم i.e. Islâmic Monotheism] is Al-Husnâ (i.e. Paradise). But those who answered not His Call (disbelieved in the Oneness of Allâh and followed not His Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم), if they had all that is in the earth together with its like, they would offer it in order to save themselves (from the torment, but it will be in vain). For them there will be the terrible reckoning. Their dwelling-place will be Hell; and worst indeed is that place for rest.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
لِلَّذِينَ
lilladhīna
For those who
ٱسْتَجَابُوا۟
is'tajābū
responded
لِرَبِّهِمُ
lirabbihimu
to their Lord
ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ ۚ
l-ḥus'nā
(is) the bliss
وَٱلَّذِينَ
wa-alladhīna
And for those who
لَمْ
lam
(did) not
يَسْتَجِيبُوا۟
yastajībū
respond
لَهُۥ
lahu
to Him
لَوْ
law
if
أَنَّ
anna
that
لَهُم
lahum
they had
مَّا
mā
whatever
فِى
fī
(is) in
ٱلْأَرْضِ
l-arḍi
the earth
جَمِيعًۭا
jamīʿan
all
وَمِثْلَهُۥ
wamith'lahu
and like of it
مَعَهُۥ
maʿahu
with it
لَٱفْتَدَوْا۟
la-if'tadaw
surely they would offer ransom
بِهِۦٓ ۚ
bihi
with it
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ
ulāika
Those
لَهُمْ
lahum
for them
سُوٓءُ
sūu
(is) a terrible
ٱلْحِسَابِ
l-ḥisābi
reckoning
وَمَأْوَىٰهُمْ
wamawāhum
and their abode
جَهَنَّمُ ۖ
jahannamu
(is) Hell
وَبِئْسَ
wabi'sa
and wretched
ٱلْمِهَادُ
l-mihādu
(is) the resting place
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.
(Ayah18) ➊ { لِلَّذِيْنَ اسْتَجَابُوْا … : ’’ الْحُسْنٰى ‘‘ ’’اَلْاَحْسَنُ‘‘ } is the feminine form, meaning the best, just as { ’’ حَسَنٌ‘‘ } and {’’اَحْسَنُ‘‘ } are, similarly {’’ حَسَنَةٌ ‘‘} and {’’حُسْنٰي‘‘} are, its described noun is omitted, meaning for those who accept the word of their Lord, the best reward, that is, Paradise. {’’ وَ الَّذِيْنَ لَمْ يَسْتَجِيْبُوْا لَهٗ ‘‘} is the subject and { ’’ لَوْ اَنَّ لَهُمْ ‘‘} the entire conditional sentence is its predicate, the meaning is that those who are stubborn against the truth, on the Day of Resurrection, whatever calamity befalls them, they will not care even for such a great amount of wealth and will be ready to give it as ransom.
➋ { اُولٰٓىِٕكَ لَهُمْ سُوْٓءُ الْحِسَابِ:} This is in contrast to what was said that for those who accept the word of their Lord, there is goodness (the best reward), meaning those who do not accept this invitation will have a very bad reckoning, they will not be given any kind of pardon and every single sin of theirs will be strictly accounted for. This is what is called "discussion in reckoning." Once the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: [ مَنْ حُوْسِبَ عُذِّبَ، قَالَتْ عَائِشَةُ فَقُلْتُ أَوَ لَيْسَ يَقُوْلُ اللّٰهُ تَعَالٰی: «فَسَوْفَ يُحَاسَبُ حِسَابًا يَّسِيْرًا» [الإنشقاق : ۸] قَالَتْ، فَقَالَ إِنَّمَا ذٰلِكَ الْعَرْضُ، وَلَكِنْ مَنْ نُوْقِشَ الْحِسَابَ يَهْلِكْ ] [ بخاري، العلم، باب من سمع شیئًا فراجع … : ۱۰۳ ] "Whoever is reckoned will be punished." Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) says that upon this I said: "Does not Allah say: «{ فَسَوْفَ يُحَاسَبُ حِسَابًا يَّسِيْرًا }» meaning whoever is given his record in his right hand, his reckoning will be easy (the meaning is that here, despite reckoning, there will be no punishment, so what does it mean)?" She says that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "This is only the presentation, but whoever is discussed (i.e., every single thing is scrutinized), he will be destroyed."
➌ { وَ بِئْسَ الْمِهَادُ :} "Mahd" and "mahad" originally refer to a place prepared for a child, whether a lap or a bedding, similarly, any place made well for comfort is called "mahad." Imagine if a child is laid on fire for comfort, what would happen to him? In the same way, the resting place of one who does not accept Allah's invitation will be Hell. [ نَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰہِ مِنْھَا ]
➋ { اُولٰٓىِٕكَ لَهُمْ سُوْٓءُ الْحِسَابِ:} This is in contrast to what was said that for those who accept the word of their Lord, there is goodness (the best reward), meaning those who do not accept this invitation will have a very bad reckoning, they will not be given any kind of pardon and every single sin of theirs will be strictly accounted for. This is what is called "discussion in reckoning." Once the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: [ مَنْ حُوْسِبَ عُذِّبَ، قَالَتْ عَائِشَةُ فَقُلْتُ أَوَ لَيْسَ يَقُوْلُ اللّٰهُ تَعَالٰی: «فَسَوْفَ يُحَاسَبُ حِسَابًا يَّسِيْرًا» [الإنشقاق : ۸] قَالَتْ، فَقَالَ إِنَّمَا ذٰلِكَ الْعَرْضُ، وَلَكِنْ مَنْ نُوْقِشَ الْحِسَابَ يَهْلِكْ ] [ بخاري، العلم، باب من سمع شیئًا فراجع … : ۱۰۳ ] "Whoever is reckoned will be punished." Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) says that upon this I said: "Does not Allah say: «{ فَسَوْفَ يُحَاسَبُ حِسَابًا يَّسِيْرًا }» meaning whoever is given his record in his right hand, his reckoning will be easy (the meaning is that here, despite reckoning, there will be no punishment, so what does it mean)?" She says that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "This is only the presentation, but whoever is discussed (i.e., every single thing is scrutinized), he will be destroyed."
➌ { وَ بِئْسَ الْمِهَادُ :} "Mahd" and "mahad" originally refer to a place prepared for a child, whether a lap or a bedding, similarly, any place made well for comfort is called "mahad." Imagine if a child is laid on fire for comfort, what would happen to him? In the same way, the resting place of one who does not accept Allah's invitation will be Hell. [ نَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰہِ مِنْھَا ]
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.
18. 1 This subject has already been mentioned two or three times before.
18. 2 Because every small and large deed of theirs will be accounted for, and their situation (for whom cross-examination is done in the reckoning, it will be difficult for them to escape, they will inevitably face punishment) will be a reflection. That is why it is stated further, and their abode is Hell.
18. 2 Because every small and large deed of theirs will be accounted for, and their situation (for whom cross-examination is done in the reckoning, it will be difficult for them to escape, they will inevitably face punishment) will be a reflection. That is why it is stated further, and their abode is Hell.
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.
18. For those who have responded to their Lord, there is goodness [26]. But as for those who did not respond, even if they possessed all that is in the earth, and as much again with it, they would surely offer it to ransom themselves. It is they who will have a terrible reckoning [27], and their abode will be Hell—what an evil resting place!
[26] In the life of this world, the benefit for them is that in every aspect of life, they receive such guidance and commands from Allah in which the religious or worldly interests of that person are inherent. Another benefit is that he attains inner peace and true happiness, and the better treatment he will receive in the Hereafter will be even more certain and lasting than these things.
[27]
How will the Reckoning be Made Easy or Hard?
Those who remain fearful of Allah, their minor sins are erased in this world through various means. Even if a believer is pricked by a thorn, it becomes an expiation for some sin of his. Then, their minor sins are erased by their good deeds, and there are countless verses and hadiths that testify to this subject. Then, when they are presented before Allah in the Hereafter, their record of deeds will be given in their right hand, and they will be informed of all their good and bad deeds, but no severity will be shown to them, nor will there be any investigation. As is clear from the following hadith: Sayyidah Aisha ؓ narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Whoever is called to account on the Day of Resurrection will be ruined." I said: O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! Allah Almighty says: "Whoever is given his record in his right hand, he will be given an easy reckoning soon." [84: 8]
He ﷺ said: "This will be merely a presentation. Their deeds will be shown to them, and whoever's reckoning is investigated, know that he is doomed." [بخاري، كتاب التفسير، نيز كتاب العلم، باب من سمع شيأا فلم يفهمه]
And those who rejected the truth, their reckoning will be taken with full severity, and this is what is meant by a bad reckoning. Every small and big sin of his will be investigated and questioned. To understand this, consider the example that if a master has confidence in his servant's loyalty and honesty, the master overlooks his minor slips and mistakes. But if the master does not trust the servant's loyalty, he questions him about every little thing. This is the condition of the deniers of the truth, and they will see no way of salvation. Thus, the Prophet ﷺ said that on the Day of Resurrection, Allah Almighty will ask the least punished inhabitant of Hell: "If you had all the wealth of the world, would you like to give it as ransom for yourself?" He will reply, "Yes." Allah Almighty will say: "When you were in human form, I demanded from you something easier than this (i.e., to remain firm on Tawheed) and said that then I would not admit you to Hell, but you persisted in shirk." [مسلم، كتاب صفة القيامة، باب طلب الكافر الفدائملء الارض ذهبا۔۔]
[26] In the life of this world, the benefit for them is that in every aspect of life, they receive such guidance and commands from Allah in which the religious or worldly interests of that person are inherent. Another benefit is that he attains inner peace and true happiness, and the better treatment he will receive in the Hereafter will be even more certain and lasting than these things.
[27]
How will the Reckoning be Made Easy or Hard?
Those who remain fearful of Allah, their minor sins are erased in this world through various means. Even if a believer is pricked by a thorn, it becomes an expiation for some sin of his. Then, their minor sins are erased by their good deeds, and there are countless verses and hadiths that testify to this subject. Then, when they are presented before Allah in the Hereafter, their record of deeds will be given in their right hand, and they will be informed of all their good and bad deeds, but no severity will be shown to them, nor will there be any investigation. As is clear from the following hadith: Sayyidah Aisha ؓ narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Whoever is called to account on the Day of Resurrection will be ruined." I said: O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! Allah Almighty says: "Whoever is given his record in his right hand, he will be given an easy reckoning soon." [84: 8]
He ﷺ said: "This will be merely a presentation. Their deeds will be shown to them, and whoever's reckoning is investigated, know that he is doomed." [بخاري، كتاب التفسير، نيز كتاب العلم، باب من سمع شيأا فلم يفهمه]
And those who rejected the truth, their reckoning will be taken with full severity, and this is what is meant by a bad reckoning. Every small and big sin of his will be investigated and questioned. To understand this, consider the example that if a master has confidence in his servant's loyalty and honesty, the master overlooks his minor slips and mistakes. But if the master does not trust the servant's loyalty, he questions him about every little thing. This is the condition of the deniers of the truth, and they will see no way of salvation. Thus, the Prophet ﷺ said that on the Day of Resurrection, Allah Almighty will ask the least punished inhabitant of Hell: "If you had all the wealth of the world, would you like to give it as ransom for yourself?" He will reply, "Yes." Allah Almighty will say: "When you were in human form, I demanded from you something easier than this (i.e., to remain firm on Tawheed) and said that then I would not admit you to Hell, but you persisted in shirk." [مسلم، كتاب صفة القيامة، باب طلب الكافر الفدائملء الارض ذهبا۔۔]
