Surah An-Noor (24) — Ayah 41
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 { اَلَمْ تَرَ :} It is quite clear that no one except Allah has seen everything in the heavens and the earth glorifying Allah, so here {’’ اَلَمْ تَرَ ‘‘} does not mean "Have you not seen," but rather it means {’’أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ‘‘} i.e., "Do you not know?" As He said: { اَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِاَصْحٰبِ الْفِيْلِ } [ الفیل : ۱ ] If the addressee here is the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), then he was born after this event, so the question of him seeing it does not arise. And if every person is the addressee, then it is not possible for every person to have seen this event, so there too the meaning is {’’أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ‘‘}. In fact, the purpose of this word is not to ask, but to inform: "Do you not know this? If you do not know, then now know it." And the word {’’ اَلَمْ تَرَ ‘‘} is used because the knowledge gained from Allah’s information is as certain as, or even more certain than, the knowledge gained from seeing with one’s own eyes. (Sha’rawi)
➌ That is, do you not know that whatever exists in the heavens and the earth—jinn, humans, angels, animals, flying birds, even plants and inanimate objects—all bear witness that the One who created us and who runs the entire universe with utmost perfection and without any flaw is free from every defect and every partner. So when everything glorifies Allah, then it is most incumbent upon humans to glorify Him and bear witness to His Oneness. The glorification of every thing in the universe is not only by their state but also verbally, i.e., by speaking. For details, see Surah Bani Isra’il (17:44) and Surah Ra’d (13).
➍ { وَ الطَّيْرُ صٰٓفّٰتٍ:} After mentioning the glorification of everything in the heavens and the earth, the glorification of birds is mentioned separately, because when they fly, they are neither on the earth nor in the sky, but are suspended between them. These birds too are bearing witness to Allah’s freedom from every defect. See also Surah Mulk (67:19).
➎ { كُلٌّ قَدْ عَلِمَ صَلَاتَهٗ وَ تَسْبِيْحَهٗ :} From this it is known that their glorification is not accidental or thoughtless, but rather with understanding and based on knowledge, which Allah has taught them and inspired in them.
➏ { وَ اللّٰهُ عَلِيْمٌۢ بِمَا يَفْعَلُوْنَ :} That is, Allah is fully aware of their glorification, worship, and every action.
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.
[68] After mentioning two examples of the disbelievers, now Allah Almighty has described some of His signs from the universe. By reflecting upon these, a person can attain the recognition of Allah or the light of guidance. One of these signs is that Allah Almighty has naturally taught birds such a way that they fly in the air between the earth and the sky with their wings spread out, flying in rows like a caravan. And they do not fall to the ground. Then sometimes, while flying, they even fold their wings. Yet still, they do not fall. After all, who taught these birds this method? Why does the force of gravity, which pulls even a light piece of paper towards itself, not pull them?
[69]
The Prayer and Tasbih of Everything in the Universe:
Everything in the universe is submissive to the command and law of Allah Almighty. Whatever task Allah has assigned to it, it performs without any objection. And the natural laws that Allah Almighty has made for them, they do not deviate from them in the slightest. Such obedience can also be called their prayer and tasbih. However, the prayer and tasbih of these things is something else altogether, which we humans or jinn, who are accountable beings, cannot comprehend. And the things that do tasbih are well aware of their prayer, tasbih, and its method. As Allah Almighty Himself has stated in Surah Bani Isra'il, verse number 44, that you cannot understand their tasbih.
