Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Set not up with Allâh any other ilâh (god), (O man)! (This verse is addressed to Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم , but its implication is general to all mankind), or you will sit down reproved, forsaken (in the Hell-fire).
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
لَّاlā(Do) not
تَجْعَلْtajʿalmake
مَعَmaʿawith
ٱللَّهِl-lahiAllah
إِلَـٰهًاilāhangod
ءَاخَرَākharaanother
فَتَقْعُدَfataqʿudalest you will sit
مَذْمُومًۭاmadhmūmandisgraced
مَّخْذُولًۭاmakhdhūlanforsaken
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.
(Ayah 22){لَاتَجْعَلْمَعَاللّٰهِاِلٰهًااٰخَرَ … : ’’ مَخْذُوْلًا ‘‘} He is the One whose help is abandoned by the one from whom he hoped for help. In this verse, the foundation of all deeds is stated to be purity from shirk (associating partners with Allah). Apparently, the addressee is the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), but in reality, every human is addressed by this, because how could shirk be committed by Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)? The purpose is to explain that, hypothetically, if the act of associating partners with Allah were to be committed even by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), then there would be no one to praise him nor anyone to help him; rather, everyone would only condemn. See Surah Az-Zumar (64–67), Al-Hajj (31), Al-Ma’idah (72), and An-Nisa’ (116).
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.
The exegesis of this verse has been done along with the previous verse.
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.
22. Do not set up any other god with Allah, or you will sit condemned and forsaken [22].
[22] Condemnation of Shirk and the Regret of the Polytheists:
In this verse, shirk, the polytheists, and their deities are condemned in a new manner. That is, all the deities in the world from whom people seek fulfillment of needs or removal of difficulties, are either lifeless or living beings. The lifeless ones are completely powerless and are man-made. They themselves are dependent on humans, so how can they help them? As for the living beings, they are obedient to Allah and utterly helpless before Him. Therefore, helping you is beyond their capability. Now, if someone has attached great expectations to them, but at the time of distress, their deities cannot help them at all, then everyone knows the state of despair and regret that person will experience.