Surah Taa-Haa (20) — Ayah 128
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 By "qurūn" are meant 'Ad and Thamud, because the Arabs, when traveling to Yemen, Najran, and the surrounding areas, would pass by the dwellings of the people of 'Ad. The Prophet (peace be upon him) and his noble companions (may Allah be pleased with them) passed by the houses of Thamud during the expedition of Tabuk. Similarly, on these journeys, the destroyed settlements of the people of Lot and the people of Madyan were located on the main highway, from where they would pass morning and evening. See Surah Al-Hijr (76–79) and As-Saffat (33–38).
➌ In this surah, the people who denied the prophets and their terrible end have already been mentioned. The truth was that the people of Arabia should have learned a lesson from history and refrained from disbelief and polytheism, but they persisted in their arrogance. Therefore, it is said in amazement: Has it not guided them that We destroyed many generations before them, in whose dwellings they walk about, and from seeing them it is clear that those people were far more advanced than them in stature, industry, agriculture, strength, and skill? The cities of Salih, the pyramids of Egypt, and other ancient relics bear witness that such powerful people have never been created again. See Surah Al-Fajr (6–14) and Surah Ar-Rum (9, 10). Even after seeing the traces of these people with their own eyes and hearing from their forefathers, through continuous transmission, about their strength, awe, and the incidents of their destruction by divine punishment, do they not understand what will happen to them if they persist in their ways?
➍ The explanation of {اِنَّ فِيْ ذٰلِكَ لَاٰيٰتٍ لِّاُولِي النُّهٰى : ’’ النُّهٰى ‘‘} is found in verse (54) of this surah. {’’ النُّهٰى ‘‘} is translated as "those of intellect" because it is a plural, and {’’ لَاٰيٰتٍ ‘‘} is translated as "many great signs" because the tanween is for magnification.
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.
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.
[93] The addressees of this verse are the polytheists of Makkah, among whom the tales of the destruction of previous nations were well known, and during their trade journeys, they could themselves witness the ruins of those destroyed peoples. If they had reflected even a little on their circumstances, they could have realized that ultimately, their own end could be the same. Therefore, if they wished, they could have taken ample lesson from these events.
