سُوْرَةُ الإِسۡرَاءِ

Surah Al-Israa (17) — Ayah 28

The Night Journey · Meccan · Juz 15 · Page 285

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وَإِمَّا تُعْرِضَنَّ عَنْهُمُ ٱبْتِغَآءَ رَحْمَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكَ تَرْجُوهَا فَقُل لَّهُمْ قَوْلًا مَّيْسُورًا ﴿28﴾

Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali

And if you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) turn away from them (kindred, poor, wayfarer whom We have ordered you to give their rights, but if you have no money at the time they ask you for it) and you are awaiting a mercy from your Lord for which you hope, then, speak unto them a soft kind word (i.e. Allâh will give me and I shall give you).

Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning

وَإِمَّا wa-immā And if
تُعْرِضَنَّ tuʿ'riḍanna you turn away
عَنْهُمُ ʿanhumu from them
ٱبْتِغَآءَ ib'tighāa seeking
رَحْمَةٍۢ raḥmatin mercy
مِّن min from
رَّبِّكَ rabbika your Lord
تَرْجُوهَا tarjūhā which you expect
فَقُل faqul then say
لَّهُمْ lahum to them
قَوْلًۭا qawlan a word
مَّيْسُورًۭا maysūran gentle

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 28) ➊ {وَ اِمَّا تُعْرِضَنَّ عَنْهُمُ ابْتِغَآءَ رَحْمَةٍ مِّنْ رَّبِّكَ … :’’ اِمَّا ‘‘ ’’ إِنْ ‘‘} and {’’ مَا ‘‘} are combined, in which { ’’مَا‘‘ ’’إِنْ ‘‘ } is for emphasis, therefore the translation is "if ever," meaning that turning away (showing indifference) from the near of kin, the needy, and the wayfarer out of miserliness is never permissible; it is only permissible in one situation: when you have nothing to give at that time. However, if you hope for Allah’s mercy (lawful and abundant provision) (from which it is never permissible to despair), then apologize to them in words that are gentle and easy. The word {’’ مَيْسُوْرًا ‘‘} generally comes in the passive form, as it is said: {’’ يُسِرَ فُلاَنٌ فَهُوَ مَيْسُوْرٌ، عُسِرَ فُلَانٌ فَهُوَ مَعْسُوْرٌ، نُحِسَ فُلَانٌ فَهُوَ مَنْحُوْسٌ، سُعِدَ فُلاَنٌ فَهُوَ مَسْعُوْدٌ ‘‘}. For further explanation of this verse, see Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261), and to see what the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to say in such situations, see Surah At-Tawbah, Ayah (9:92).
➋ Al-Mahaimi (may Allah have mercy on him) has mentioned another meaning: if you turn away from the aforementioned people because in turning away from them you hope for the mercy of your Lord, for example, you know that if you give him wealth, he will spend it on intoxicants, adultery, or some sin, then even in that case, apologize to him gently and courteously. The words of the verse also allow for this meaning.

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.

28. 1. That is, due to the lack of financial ability, for the removal of which and for the expansion of sustenance, you hope from your Lord. If you have to turn away from poor relatives, the needy, and those in need—that is, if you have to apologize—then apologize with gentleness and excellence, meaning even if you give a response, do so in a gentle and loving tone, not with harshness and bad manners, as is commonly done with the needy and the poor.

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.

And if you must turn away from them (your relatives, the needy [33], and travelers) because you do not have anything to give them, but you are still seeking your Lord’s mercy which you hope for, then speak to them kindly.

[33] That is, if any of your relatives or any poor and needy person comes to you for a goodly loan or assistance, and you have nothing to give at that moment, but you expect that within a certain number of days you will receive a certain amount and at that time you will be able to lend or help him, then explain this to him gently. If you respond harshly or rudely, there is a risk that this blessing may be taken away from you.
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