سُوْرَةُ الْاَنْۣبِيَآءِ

Surah Al-Anbiyaa (21) — Ayah 55

The Prophets · Meccan · Juz 17 · Page 326

قَالُوٓا۟ أَجِئْتَنَا بِٱلْحَقِّ أَمْ أَنتَ مِنَ ٱللَّـٰعِبِينَ ﴿55﴾
They said: "Have you brought us the truth, or are you one of those who play about?"
قَالُوٓا۟ qālū They said
أَجِئْتَنَا aji'tanā Have you come to us
بِٱلْحَقِّ bil-ḥaqi with the truth
أَمْ am or
أَنتَ anta you
مِنَ mina (are) of
ٱللَّـٰعِبِينَ l-lāʿibīna those who play

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 55){ قَالُوْۤا اَجِئْتَنَا بِالْحَقِّ … :} The people were so convinced of the truth of idol worship that they could not even imagine that anyone could declare it to be manifest error. Moreover, hearing a verdict of clear misguidance from a person of such noble character as Ibrahim (peace be upon him)—who never said anything that could displease anyone—they could not believe that Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was saying this seriously. They thought that he was joking, so they asked whether he was stating a fact or jesting.

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.

55. 1. This was said because they had never heard the call to monotheism before; they thought, perhaps, Ibrahim (AS) is making fun of us.

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.

They said, "Have you brought us the truth [49], or are you just playing around?"

[49] It is as if the people of Ibrahim had such firm conviction in the truth of their idolatrous religion that it never even occurred to them that anyone could oppose this religion. Therefore, they began to ask Prophet Ibrahimؑ whether he was, with sincerity and seriousness, declaring them to be in clear error for worshipping idols, or if he was just saying it in jest or as a joke.