Surah Al-Kahf (18) — Ayah 27
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.
➋ The meaning of {لَا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمٰتِهٖ وَ لَنْ تَجِدَ … : ’’ مُلْتَحَدًا ‘‘} is a place of refuge, which is from {’’لَحْدٌ‘‘} in the form of ifti‘āl, which means to incline. The grave is also called lahd for this reason, because it is inclined to one side. Thus, {’’ مُلْتَحَدًا ‘‘} refers to such a place where a person goes to one side to seek refuge. That is, if you are negligent in conveying this Book for anyone’s sake, or make any alteration in it, you will find no refuge except with Him. For verses of this meaning, see Surah al-Ma’idah (67) and Yunus (15). Apparently, this address is to you, O Prophet (peace be upon him), but the purpose is to warn the People of the Book and the disbelievers of Makkah that for your sake, the Prophet (peace be upon him) will not make any alteration in his Lord’s Book.
➌ On this verse, and according to the statement of some scholars of exegesis, on the previous verse, the story of the People of the Cave ends. After this, a new subject begins, in which there is commentary on the circumstances faced by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Muslims in those days in Makkah.
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.
27. 2 That is, if you avoid or turn away from stating it, or try to alter or change its words, then there will be no one to save you from Allah. Although the address is to the Prophet ﷺ, the real addressee is the Ummah.
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.
[27]
The Disbelievers Proposing Compromise:
After the story of the Companions of the Cave concludes, although the address is to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, this statement is being conveyed to the chiefs of Quraysh who wanted to make a compromise with you on a give-and-take basis. They used to say that we will accept many of your statements, but you should accept this from us: do not recite those verses in which our deities are mentioned. In this way, we can avoid division within the community. Allah Almighty responded to their demand by stating that no one has any authority whatsoever to alter, amend, or abrogate His commands and statements, and whoever attempts to do so will not escape Allah’s grasp. Although this was a specific occasion, the wording is general, meaning that in any era and by any person, whoever commits such an act, the same ruling applies to him. There is no room for compromise between truth and falsehood, as a poet has said:
Falsehood is devoted to duality, truth is without partner...
Do not accept partnership between truth and falsehood.
