Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
He said: "As for him (a disbeliever in the Oneness of Allâh) who does wrong, we shall punish him, and then he will be brought back unto his Lord, Who will punish him with a terrible torment (Hell).
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
قَالَqālaHe said
أَمَّاammāAs for
مَنman(one) who
ظَلَمَẓalamawrongs
فَسَوْفَfasawfathen soon
نُعَذِّبُهُۥnuʿadhibuhuwe will punish him
ثُمَّthummaThen
يُرَدُّyuradduhe will be returned
إِلَىٰilāto
رَبِّهِۦrabbihihis Lord
فَيُعَذِّبُهُۥfayuʿadhibuhuand He will punish him
عَذَابًۭاʿadhāban(with) a punishment
نُّكْرًۭاnuk'ranterrible
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 88,87){ قَالَاَمَّامَنْظَلَمَ … :} Dhu’l-Qarnayn, instead of becoming intoxicated with his victory and power and putting everyone to the sword or making them slaves, expressed that he would treat each one as they deserved. {’’ اَمَّامَنْظَلَمَ ‘‘} (Whoever does wrong) refers to the disbelievers and polytheists. See Surah Al-An’am (82). One indication of this is that, in contrast to them, the believers and doers of righteous deeds are mentioned, meaning that among the disbelievers and polytheists, I will deal with each according to their situation with severe punishment: those who are ready for war, I will kill, imprison, and make slaves. Others I will keep as slaves by taking jizyah from them. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, they will receive a very terrible punishment for their disbelief and polytheism. As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, there is only goodness for them in return, and we will deal with them with ease in all our matters. Our Prophet (peace be upon him) also acted upon this in his battles.
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.
87. 1. That is, whoever persists in disbelief and polytheism, We will punish him, meaning there will be no accountability for previous mistakes.
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.
87. He said: "Whoever does wrong [73], we shall punish him, then he will be returned to his Lord, and He will punish him with a severe punishment."
[73] Dhul-Qarnayn’s Treatment of the Western People:
Accordingly, Dhul-Qarnayn chose the second approach: to fully explain to these people and invite them to Islam. He decided that as a result, those who would become arrogant and adopt the ways of the wrongdoers, only they would be punished and treated harshly. Then, after death, when such a person is presented before Allah Almighty, He will also give him a severe punishment. But those who accept this invitation and change their way of life to do good deeds, they will receive a good reward from Allah, and we too will treat them kindly. This is the quality of every just king: after gaining dominance, he deals harshly with the wicked and kindly with the good, showing them kindness.