Surah Al-Israa (17) — Ayah 16
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 This is a completion of the meaning of the previous verse, that Allah does not punish without establishing proof. He said, We command the prosperous people of the town. The object of {’’ اَمَرْنَا ‘‘} is omitted; it is either {’’بِأَمْرٍ‘‘}, meaning We give them a command, or {’’بِالْإِيْمَانِ وَالْعَمَلِ الصَّالِحِ‘‘}, meaning We command the prosperous people of the town, through its Messenger or other reformers, to have faith and do righteous deeds. {’’ فَفَسَقُوْا ‘‘} then they do not accept this command, or the command to have faith and do righteous deeds, but instead spread wickedness and immorality throughout the land, so their deserving of punishment is established. Then We do not only utterly destroy the prosperous people, but also their weak followers, and even the buildings of the town. For the reason behind the destruction of the weak, see Surah Al-Baqarah (166, 167), Al-Ahzab (64 to 68), and Al-A'raf (38, 39), and the destruction of the town is indicated by the word {’’ قَرْيَةً ‘‘}.
➌ Some commentators, due to the context of {’’ فَفَسَقُوْا فِيْهَا ‘‘}, have taken the omitted object of {’’ اَمَرْنَا ‘‘} to be {’’بِالْفِسْقِ‘‘}, meaning when We intend to destroy a town, We command its prosperous people to commit wickedness... But this is not correct, because Allah commands good and forbids disobedience. Allah Himself said: «قُلْ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يَاْمُرُ بِالْفَحْشَآءِ » [ الأعراف : ۲۸ ] "Say: Indeed, Allah does not command immorality." And see Surah An-Nahl (90) and Saba (34, 35). However, if it is interpreted that Allah's legal command is always for good, but His universal command (under which the universe operates, disbelievers disbelieve, oppressors commit oppression, the oppressed are wronged, and in this there are countless wisdoms of Allah) can be of any kind, although even this universal command occurs only as a result of disobeying the legal commands and forgetting Allah and His Messenger. Thus, the rope of these disobedient ones is lengthened and the doors of worldly blessings are opened for them so that they may disobey as much as they wish. Then, when the indictment is complete, Allah's punishment comes. (See Al-An'am: 42 to 45) Some have also interpreted {’’ اَمَرْنَا ‘‘} as {’’أَكْثَرْنَا‘‘}, meaning We greatly increase the "prosperous ones" so that they become arrogant and turn to disobedience. Of these three meanings, the first meaning mentioned in footnote (2) is more Sahih, although there is room for the other meanings as well.
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.
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]
In Disobedience to Allah, the Prosperous Are the First to Indulge:
In this verse: ﴿اَمَرْنَا فِيْهَا﴾ refers to a divine decree, meaning a town for which destruction has been destined. What happens is that the prosperous people become involved in indulgence and oppression. Among them arise diseases such as indecency, obscenity, adultery, usurping the rights of the weak, disobedience to Allah Almighty, ingratitude for blessings, and extraordinary absorption in worldly matters, etc. All these are ailments that generally afflict the rich and prosperous. Then, those under their influence also begin to follow their ways, and gradually adopt their mannerisms. In this way, the entire society becomes engulfed in wickedness and immorality and becomes deserving of Allah's punishment, and eventually, their doom arrives.
