Surah An-Naml (27) — Ayah 17
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 {فَهُمْ يُوْزَعُوْنَ:} That is, all were divided into separate groups, for example, the group of jinn was separate, the group of humans was separate, and the group of birds was separate. Then, according to military arrangement, they were divided, for example, one leader over every ten men, then a leader over a hundred men, then over a thousand. In short, the entire army was organized with the best division, so that they could be reviewed in a very short time and the military commands could also be implemented.
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.
17-2. That is, all were divided into separate groups (by category), for example, a group of humans, a group of jinn, a group of birds and animals, etc.
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.
[18]
The Army of Sayyiduna Sulaiman (A.S.) Consisted of Humans, Jinn, and Birds:
This is actually the detail of ﴿كُلِّ شَيْءٍ﴾ in the previous verse. That is, his army consisted of three types. It included humans, jinn, and birds, and he would employ them for various tasks. This army was not mixed together; rather, when he went on an expedition, the army of humans would be separate, the army of jinn separate, and the army of birds would accompany separately. He would assign heavy and more laborious tasks to the jinn, and you would use the birds for delivering messages, reconnaissance, and searching for water, etc. Also, sometimes the flocks of birds would be used to provide shade over the army. Those who feel discomfort with miracles and supernatural matters and are always seeking interpretations for such events, according to their interpretations, here "jinn" refers to hard-working rural people, and "birds" refers to aircrafts. That is, they claim that Prophet Sulaiman (A.S.) also had an air force. Such interpretations are not actually interpretations but distortions, which are not supported by the context of the Noble Quran. It is difficult to analyze such interpretations here. However, I have presented a detailed analysis of all such interpretations in my book "Rationalism and the Denial of Miracles."
