سُوْرَةُ الإِسۡرَاءِ

Surah Al-Israa (17) — Ayah 50

The Night Journey · Meccan · Juz 15 · Page 287

۞ قُلْ كُونُوا۟ حِجَارَةً أَوْ حَدِيدًا ﴿50﴾
Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) "Be you stones or iron,"
۞ قُلْ qul Say
كُونُوا۟ kūnū Be
حِجَارَةً ḥijāratan stones
أَوْ aw or
حَدِيدًا ḥadīdan iron

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 51,50) ➊ { قُلْ كُوْنُوْا حِجَارَةً …:} The meaning is that even in soil, signs of life can be seen in the form of vegetation; you should try to become something that cannot accept life in any way, for example, stone, iron, or any creature whose being alive seems even more unlikely to you than these. Even then, Allah Almighty will resurrect you and bring you back to life.

{ قُلِ الَّذِيْ فَطَرَكُمْ اَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ :} That is, the One who created you the first time will resurrect you again, because creating something for the first time is difficult and doing it again is easier. So what difficulty is there for Him to give you life again? (See Rum: 19) Whereas for Him, creating the first and second time are equally easy.

{فَسَيُنْغِضُوْنَ۠ اِلَيْكَ رُءُوْسَهُمْ …: ’’ أَنْغَضَ يُنْغِضُ ‘‘} (Af‘aal) means to shake the head in astonishment or mockery, that is, being left speechless, they will ask, “So when will that Resurrection be?” You should tell them that when its coming is certain, your question is pointless. When it is bound to come, no matter how far it may be, consider it near and worry about your salvation. Its example is like that of an unworthy student who knows that the exam is inevitable, but does not accept its occurrence or does not prepare for it just because the date of its occurrence is unknown, or because it is not happening immediately. Obviously, this is utter foolishness.

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.

50. 1. That which is harder than dust and bones, and in which creating signs of life is more difficult.

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 tafsir of this ayah is included with the following verse(s).