Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Ibrâhîm (Abraham) said: "Peace be on you! I will ask Forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily He is unto me Ever Most Gracious.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
قَالَqālaHe said
سَلَـٰمٌsalāmunPeace (be)
عَلَيْكَ ۖʿalaykaon you
سَأَسْتَغْفِرُsa-astaghfiruI will ask forgiveness
لَكَlakafor you
رَبِّىٓ ۖrabbī(from) my Lord
إِنَّهُۥinnahuIndeed, He
كَانَkānais
بِىbīto me
حَفِيًّۭاḥafiyyanEver Gracious
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 47) ➊ {قَالَسَلٰمٌعَلَيْكَ :} Ibrahim (peace be upon him) responded to his ignorant father's harsh reply with utmost gentleness and said to him {’’ سَلٰمٌعَلَيْكَ ‘‘} that "Peace be upon you." We are also taught to say the same in response to the ignorant. See Surah Al-Furqan (63) and Al-Qasas (55). When someone becomes stubborn and obstinate, this is a farewell and a parting greeting, and it is permissible. However, in general circumstances, it is not permissible to initiate greeting the disbelievers. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [ لَاتَبْدَءُ وا الْيَهُوْدَوَلاَالنَّصَارٰیبِالسَّلَامِ ][ مسلم، السلام، باب النھي عن ابتداء أھل الکتاب… : ۲۱۶۷، عن أبي ھریرۃ رضی اللہ عنہ ] "Do not initiate greeting the Jews and Christians with Salam."
➋ { سَاَسْتَغْفِرُلَكَرَبِّيْ :} Ibrahim (peace be upon him) fulfilled this promise. See Surah Ash-Shu'ara (86) and Ibrahim (41). However, seeking forgiveness for deceased polytheist friends or relatives is not permissible. For details, see Surah At-Tawbah (113) and Al-Mumtahanah (4).
➌ {اِنَّهٗكَانَبِيْحَفِيًّا : ’’ حَفِيًّا ‘‘ ’’حَفِيَحِفَاوَةً‘‘} (from {رَضِيَ} ) means to be very merciful to someone, to be concerned about their affairs, to frequently inquire about them. See also Surah Al-A'raf (187). {’’ كَانَ ‘‘} clarifies the meaning of "always," that is, Allah Almighty has always been very merciful to me and has accustomed me to having my prayers answered.
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.
47. 1. This is not a supplicatory greeting that one Muslim gives to another Muslim, rather it is an expression of leaving the addressee, as in (وَّاِذَاخَاطَبَهُمُالْجٰهِلُوْنَقَالُوْاسَلٰمًا) 25. Al-Furqan: 63) 'When the ignorant address them, they say: Peace.' In this, the way of the people of faith and the servants of Allah is described.
47. 2. This was said at a time when Prophet Ibrahim ﷺ was not yet aware of the prohibition against praying for forgiveness for a polytheist; when he became aware of this, he stopped making such supplications (وَمَاكَانَاسْتِغْفَارُاِبْرٰهِيْمَلِاَبِيْهِاِلَّاعَنْمَّوْعِدَةٍوَّعَدَھَآاِيَّاهُ ۚ فَلَمَّاتَـبَيَّنَلَهٗٓاَنَّهٗعَدُوٌّلِّلّٰهِتَبَرَّاَمِنْهُ ۭ اِنَّاِبْرٰهِيْمَلَاَوَّاهٌحَلِيْمٌ) 9. At-Tawbah: 114)
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.
The tafsir of this ayah is included with the following verse(s).