Surah Al-Kahf (18) — Ayah 24
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.
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.
24. 2. That is, if you forget to say "inshaAllah" at the time of speaking or making a promise, then whenever you remember, say "inshaAllah," or the meaning of remembering your Lord is to glorify and praise Him and to seek forgiveness from Him.
24. 3. That is, what I am intending, it is possible that Allah may guide me to something better and more beneficial than that.
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.
[23]
The Instruction to Say "Insha Allah" When Making a Promise:
What happened was that when the disbelievers of Makkah asked you about the People of the Cave and others, you replied that you would answer them the next day. You thought that perhaps in the meantime Jibreel would come, so you would ask him and inform them, or Allah Himself would inform you through revelation by the next day. However, neither of these things happened by the next day. Then, after a few days, Jibreel came with the verses of this Surah, and along with them, this instruction was revealed for you: that you should not make any definite promise to anyone that you will do such-and-such work by the next day. And if you must make a promise, then you must say "except if Allah wills" (i.e., if Allah wills, I will do such-and-such work by such-and-such time). And if you ever forget to say this, then whenever you remember, say it at that time. The meaning is that every action happens only under Allah’s will, so this should always be kept in mind. This instruction was given because no one can know whether he will be able to do a certain work by the next day or at a certain time, nor does anyone have knowledge of the unseen, nor is anyone independent in his actions so that he can do whatever he wishes. Therefore, even if a person makes a promise or speaks about the future with complete sincerity and true intention, he should definitely say "Insha Allah."
Using "Insha Allah" as a Shield:
But it is unfortunate that some ill-intentioned people have made this phrase of exception a shield to cover their ill intentions. For example, a person promises his creditor a month’s time for repayment of a previous loan or for a new loan, and also says "Insha Allah," but in his heart he thinks, "Let me get my work done, then whatever happens, I’ll see." And when, after the appointed time, the creditor demands his loan, he says, "Allah did not will that I should have enough money to pay you," and so on, making excuses. And ill-intentioned people have so maligned this phrase of exception that when someone says "Insha Allah" with his promise, the listener immediately understands that his intention is not good. This is the worst kind of mockery of Allah’s verses, which a true believer cannot even imagine.
[24] This phrase can have several meanings. For example, one is that in the future, may there never come a time when I forget to say "Insha Allah" or "Masha Allah." Another is that Allah may help me in an even more astonishing way than He helped the People of the Cave, as happened in the story of the Cave of Thawr. A third is that regarding the work you are saying you will do, you do not know whether this work is better or some other work is better than this, so while relying on Allah, say: "My Lord will guide me to the right matter or the right course of action in this affair."
