Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him with whom He is pleased. And they stand in awe for fear of Him.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
يَعْلَمُyaʿlamuHe knows
مَاmāwhat
بَيْنَbayna(is) before them
أَيْدِيهِمْaydīhim(is) before them
وَمَاwamāand what
خَلْفَهُمْkhalfahum(is) behind them
وَلَاwalāand not
يَشْفَعُونَyashfaʿūnathey (can) intercede
إِلَّاillāexcept
لِمَنِlimanifor whom
ٱرْتَضَىٰir'taḍāHe approves
وَهُمwahumAnd they
مِّنْminfrom
خَشْيَتِهِۦkhashyatihifear of Him
مُشْفِقُونَmush'fiqūnastand in awe
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 28) ➊ { يَعْلَمُمَابَيْنَاَيْدِيْهِمْوَمَاخَلْفَهُمْ:} That is, He knows whatever deeds they have done or will do in the future. In this, the reason for their utmost obedience and submission is explained, meaning they know that Allah knows our past, future, apparent, and hidden matters, therefore they do not disobey any of His commands.
➋ {وَلَايَشْفَعُوْنَاِلَّالِمَنِارْتَضٰى :} That is, they intercede only for those whom He is pleased with and for whom He approves intercession and grants permission. See Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255) and Saba (34:23). By this are meant the people of faith and monotheism, because disbelievers and polytheists are neither pleasing to Allah nor does He approve intercession for them. This intercession is also in this world, as the angels pray and seek forgiveness for the believers (see Surah Ghafir: 7 to 9), and the prophets and messengers also used to pray for them. In the Hereafter, the angels and prophets will also intercede. Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [ شَفَاعَتِيْلِأَهْلِالْكَبَائِرِمِنْأُمَّتِيْ ][ مستدرک حاکم : ۱؍۶۹، ح : ۲۲۸، و صححہ الذھبی ] "My intercession will be for the major sinners of my Ummah." This also negates the concept of offspring, because offspring can intercede even against the will of the parent.
➌ { وَهُمْمِّنْخَشْيَتِهٖمُشْفِقُوْنَ:} In this, the utmost reverence of the angels and messengers for Allah is mentioned, that they always remain fearful due to His awe. This is also evidence that Allah does not have offspring, because such a state does not exist between a parent and child.
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.
28. 1. From this it is understood that besides the Prophets and the righteous, the angels will also intercede. This is also supported by authentic hadith, but this intercession will only be for those whom Allah approves. And it is obvious that Allah will not approve intercession for His disobedient servants, but only for sinful yet obedient servants, that is, the people of faith and monotheism.
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.
28. Allah knows what is before them (their apparent state) and what is behind them (their hidden state). And they cannot intercede except for the one with whom Allah is pleased [23], and they are ever fearful of Him.
[23] The Intercession of Angels and Restrictions on Intercessors:
The polytheists of Makkah worshipped the angels for two reasons. First, that they are the children of Allah. Second, because they are our intercessors with Allah and a means of nearness to Him. In response, Allah did not say that they will not intercede, because according to the Book and Sunnah, the intercession of the Prophets, the righteous, the angels, and even the Quran itself is established. Rather, He said that they will only be able to intercede for those for whom Allah approves intercession, and the reason for this is given that the angels do not possess knowledge of the unseen. They do not know the state and condition of the deeds of the one for whom they are interceding, and these circumstances are known only to Allah. Therefore, they will only be able to intercede for those regarding whom Allah grants permission, and they also remain in awe of Allah, so how could they intercede without His permission? Now, if someone does not even know whether he will be granted permission to intercede or not, and especially whether he will be granted permission for a particular person or not, then how can such powerless intercessors be deserving that one should bow in humility before them, stretch out one's hands before them for the fulfillment of needs and removal of difficulties, or call upon them?