سُوْرَةُ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ

Surah Al-Muminoon (23) — Ayah 22

The Believers · Meccan · Juz 18 · Page 343

وَعَلَيْهَا وَعَلَى ٱلْفُلْكِ تُحْمَلُونَ ﴿22﴾
And on them, and on ships you are carried.
وَعَلَيْهَا waʿalayhā And on them
وَعَلَى waʿalā and on
ٱلْفُلْكِ l-ful'ki [the] ships
تُحْمَلُونَ tuḥ'malūna you are carried

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 22){وَ عَلَيْهَا وَ عَلَى الْفُلْكِ تُحْمَلُوْنَ : ’’ عَلَيْهَا ‘‘} By this is meant camels, which are the ships of the desert. In Arabia, camels were mostly used for riding and carrying loads, and the metaphor of "ships of the land" for camels has been known since ancient times. The poet Dhu al-Rumma says about his she-camel:
{ طُرُوْقًا وَجُلْبُ الرَّحْلِ مَشْدُوْدَةٌ بِهَا ¤ سَفِيْنَةُ بَرٍّ تَحْتَ خَدِّيْ زِمَامُهَا}
"It was night time and the ship of the land was tied with {’’جُلْبُ الرَّحْلِ‘‘} (the wooden frames of the saddle), whose rein was under my cheek." (Adwa' al-Bayan)
In connection with the ships of the land, the blessing of sea ships has also been mentioned. Instead of "when you ride," the phrase "when you are made to ride" means that riding on such huge animals as camels (and elephants) and making them subservient to you is not within your power, but it is Our work to make you ride them and make them obedient to you. If you do not believe, then try to domesticate much smaller animals, such as deer, wolves, foxes, jackals, and leopards, in the same way. Similarly, Our magnificent creation, the sea, in comparison to which you are not even as much as a grain of sand compared to the desert—riding on it and having it carry you on its chest is not within your power. It is We who make you ride in ships and subdue it for you. If you do not believe, then remember those storms whose calamity causes mountain-like ships to sink into its embrace in the blink of an eye.

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.

1. That is, you benefit from the blessings of your Lord. Is He not worthy that you show gratitude to Him and worship and obey Him alone.

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).