Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
They said: "(Nay) but we found our fathers doing so."
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
قَالُوا۟qālūThey said
بَلْbalNay
وَجَدْنَآwajadnābut we found
ءَابَآءَنَاābāanāour forefathers
كَذَٰلِكَkadhālikalike that
يَفْعَلُونَyafʿalūnadoing
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 74) {قَالُوْابَلْوَجَدْنَاۤاٰبَآءَنَاكَذٰلِكَيَفْعَلُوْنَ:} That is, these idols of wood, stone, and metal neither hear nor can they bring any benefit or harm, but we found our forefathers doing the same since ancient times, so were all those people foolish who continued to worship them? Surely, they must have had some evidence for their worship. In other words, when no reasonable answer could be given, they resorted to following their ancestors, which is the crutch of every blind person and the last straw for the drowning. This is exactly the condition of those followers who continue to imitate their Imam simply because such and such elders also used to follow him.
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.
74-1. When they could not give any reasonable answer to the question of Hazrat Ibrahim ؑ, they tried to escape by saying that this is what we have seen from our forefathers, we cannot abandon it.
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.
74. They replied, "No, but we found our forefathers doing the same [51]."
[51] The Question of Prophet Ibrahim (ؑ) to His People Regarding Idols:
The questions that Prophet Ibrahim (ؑ) asked the polytheists of his people pertained to such attributes that are essential for a true deity. That is, He should hear the call or plea of the supplicant and then also respond to it. He should have the power to fulfill needs and also be able to protect from harm and distress. If these attributes are not found in a deity, then that deity can only be false, not true. And in reality, these questions are, in the sense of "words come from the stories of others," questions to the Quraysh of Makkah regarding their deities. The people of Prophet Ibrahim (ؑ) could not answer his questions. The only answer they could possibly give was that since our forefathers have been doing this and it has been happening for ages, therefore we cannot abandon this practice. Our forefathers were wiser, greater, and more pious than us. After all, they must have seen some benefit in worshipping these idols. That is why they started this practice; surely they must have had some reasoning as well?