Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And they (the Messengers) sought victory and help [from their Lord (Allâh)]; and every obstinate, arrogant dictator (who refuses to believe in the Oneness of Allâh) was brought to a complete loss and destruction.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَٱسْتَفْتَحُوا۟wa-is'taftaḥūAnd they sought victory
وَخَابَwakhābaand disappointed
كُلُّkulluevery
جَبَّارٍjabbārintyrant
عَنِيدٍۢʿanīdinobstinate
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.
(Ayah15){وَاسْتَفْتَحُوْا …: } The meaning of "fath" in the Quran is both "victory and help" and also "decision." The meaning of {’’ اسْتَفْتَحُوْا ‘‘} is: they sought victory and help, or they sought a decision, and its subject can be either the prophets or the disbelievers. If the meaning is "victory and help," then it means that when numerous trials came, the prophets prayed to their Lord for victory and help, which was accepted. Allah said: «{ حَتّٰىيَقُوْلَالرَّسُوْلُوَالَّذِيْنَاٰمَنُوْامَعَهٗمَتٰىنَصْرُاللّٰهِاَلَاۤاِنَّنَصْرَاللّٰهِقَرِيْبٌ }»[ البقرۃ : ۲۱۴ ] "Until the messenger and those who believed with him said, 'When will the help of Allah come?' Behold! Surely, the help of Allah is near." If the subject of {’’ اسْتَفْتَحُوْا ‘‘} is the disbelievers, then it means: "The disbelievers prayed to their patrons and helpers for victory and help, but they failed." If the meaning of "fath" is "decision," then it means that the prophets and those who believed with them prayed to Allah, as He said: «{ رَبَّنَاافْتَحْبَيْنَنَاوَبَيْنَقَوْمِنَابِالْحَقِّوَاَنْتَخَيْرُالْفٰتِحِيْنَ }»[ الأعراف : ۸۹ ] "Our Lord! Decide between us and our people in truth, and You are the best of those who decide." The result was that every rebellious and tyrannical enemy failed and was disappointed. Or it means that the disbelievers prayed to Allah for a decision, as He said: «{ وَاِذْقَالُوااللّٰهُمَّاِنْكَانَهٰذَاهُوَالْحَقَّمِنْعِنْدِكَفَاَمْطِرْعَلَيْنَاحِجَارَةًمِّنَالسَّمَآءِاَوِائْتِنَابِعَذَابٍاَلِيْمٍ }»[ الأنفال : ۳۲ ] "And when they said, 'O Allah! If this is indeed the truth from You, then rain down upon us stones from the sky or bring upon us a painful punishment.'" Any of these four meanings of {’’ اسْتَفْتَحُوْا ‘‘ } is correct, and all four meanings are found in different places in the Quran. See the miracle of the Quran, that a single word is used which applies to all four meanings. In short, the result in this world was that every rebellious and stubborn disbeliever failed and was disappointed. As for the outcome in the Hereafter, it is mentioned in the next verse.
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.
15. 1. Its subject can also be the wrongdoer polytheists, as they ultimately sought judgment from Allah. That is, if these messengers are true, then O Allah, destroy us through Your punishment, just as the polytheists of Makkah said (اللّٰهُمَّاِنْكَانَهٰذَاهُوَالْحَقَّمِنْعِنْدِكَفَاَمْطِرْعَلَيْنَاحِجَارَةًمِّنَالسَّمَاۗءِاَوِائْتِنَابِعَذَابٍاَلِيْمٍ) 8. Al-Anfal:32) 'And when they said, O Allah! If this Qur'an is indeed from You, then rain down upon us stones from the sky, or bring upon us a painful punishment.' Just as at the occasion of the Battle of Badr, the polytheists of Makkah wished for something of this kind, which Allah mentioned in (Al-Anfal: 19), or its subject can be the messengers, that they prayed to Allah for victory and help, which Allah accepted.
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.
The messengers prayed for victory [19], and (as a result) every tyrannical enemy was disappointed and defeated.
[19] That is, on one hand, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is praying to Allah for victory and help. On the other hand, the opponents are demanding that if you are truthful, then why do you not bring that punishment with which you keep threatening us? At that time, Allah helps the messengers and crushes the heads of the rebellious, hostile, and obstinate people.
