Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Do then those who disbelieved think that they can take My slaves [i.e., the angels, Allâh’s Messengers, ‘Îsâ (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)] as Auliyâ’ (lords, gods, protectors) besides Me? Verily, We have prepared Hell as an entertainment for the disbelievers (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism).
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
أَفَحَسِبَafaḥasibaDo then think
ٱلَّذِينَalladhīnathose who
كَفَرُوٓا۟kafarūdisbelieve
أَنanthat
يَتَّخِذُوا۟yattakhidhūthey (can) take
عِبَادِىʿibādīMy servants
مِنminbesides Me
دُونِىٓdūnībesides Me
أَوْلِيَآءَ ۚawliyāa(as) protectors
إِنَّآinnāIndeed, We
أَعْتَدْنَاaʿtadnāWe have prepared
جَهَنَّمَjahannamaHell
لِلْكَـٰفِرِينَlil'kāfirīnafor the disbelievers
نُزُلًۭاnuzulan(as) a lodging
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 102) ➊ {اَفَحَسِبَالَّذِيْنَكَفَرُوْۤا … :} The beginning of the Surah was with warning those who attribute offspring to Allah and mentioning the proclamation of monotheism by the Companions of the Cave. In the end, the same matter is repeated, that is, have these disbelievers, by making My special servants—such as the Messiah, Uzair, the Holy Spirit, and the angels, etc.—their deities, assumed that they will set them up against Me and take them as their protectors? The interrogative is negative, meaning this assumption is utterly wrong; rather, all of them will declare their disassociation from their worship and will stand as claimants against them. See Surah Maryam (82) and Ahqaf (5, 6). Although by {’’ عِبَادِيْ ‘‘} both the righteous and the wicked can be meant, because all are Allah’s servants (see Maryam: 93), but the first meaning is more authentic, because by saying “My servants,” the honor that is given is the share of only the special servants.
➋ The meaning of {اِنَّاۤاَعْتَدْنَاجَهَنَّمَلِلْكٰفِرِيْنَنُزُلًا : ’’ نُزُلًا ‘‘} is those things that are presented for hospitality. Hell as hospitality for the disbelievers is a mockery. One meaning of {’’ نُزُلًا ‘‘} is also “abode,” that is, We have prepared Hell as the abode for the disbelievers.
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.
12. 1. Hasb, meaning zann, and "عبادی" (My servants) refers to angels, Masih (عليه السلام), and other righteous ones, who are considered as fulfillers of needs and removers of difficulties. Similarly, it refers to devils and jinn who are worshipped, and the interrogative is for rebuke and reprimand. That is, do these worshippers of others besides Allah think that by abandoning Me and worshipping My servants, they will escape My punishment with their support? This is impossible; We have already prepared Hell for these disbelievers, and those servants whom they worship and consider as their supporters will not be able to prevent them from entering it.
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.
102. Do the disbelievers think that they can take My servants as protectors instead of Me? [84] Indeed, We have prepared Hell as a hospitality for the disbelievers.
[84] Here, some wording is omitted, which is left to the understanding of the listener; that is, have the disbelievers assumed that by leaving Me, they will take My servants as protectors, and that these protectors will be able to save them from Allah's grasp? This is not the case; rather, We will host such disbelievers with the fire of Hell, which will meet them as soon as they arrive there. Another point worth considering is that in this verse, the word "My servants" (عبادی) clearly indicates that those protectors are meant who possess intellect, such as angels, jinn, good or evil spirits, deceased humans, prophets, spiritual guides, and the so-called friends of Allah, etc. Because the word "servant" (عبد) is not used for lifeless things, such as idols, stones, trees, etc.