Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
We send not the angels down except with the truth (i.e. for torment), and in that case, they (the disbelievers) would have no respite!
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
مَاmāNot
نُنَزِّلُnunazziluWe send down
ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةَl-malāikatathe Angels
إِلَّاillāexcept
بِٱلْحَقِّbil-ḥaqiwith the truth
وَمَاwamāand not
كَانُوٓا۟kānūthey would be
إِذًۭاidhanthen
مُّنظَرِينَmunẓarīnagiven respite
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.
(Ayah8) {مَانُنَزِّلُالْمَلٰٓىِٕكَةَاِلَّابِالْحَقِّ … : } That is, the angels descend precisely at the time when a person's moment of death has arrived, or when a definite decision of punishment has been made upon a nation; after that, they are not given any respite.
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.
8. 1 Allah Almighty said that We send the angels with the truth, meaning when Our wisdom and will require sending punishment, then the angels descend, and then no respite is given, they are destroyed immediately.
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.
8. (Yet) We do not send down the angels except with the truth (for judgment) [4], and then they would not be given any respite.
[4] In What Circumstances Do Angels Descend?
We do not send down angels to put on a spectacle, nor do we send them to force people to believe. Rather, angels descend as the wrath of Allah upon criminals. Just as they came in the Battle of Badr, or they come to take your souls, or to wipe out a nation from the face of existence. When they come, they finish your matter completely. At that time, you neither desire their coming nor can their coming benefit you in any way. They do not come before their appointed time. But when they do come, they accomplish their task. At that time, there is no question of granting any respite.