Surah An-Naml (27) — Ayah 19
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 { وَ قَالَ رَبِّ اَوْزِعْنِيْۤ …:} Hearing the ant’s voice, then understanding its words, then his own good reputation—these were all things that filled the heart of Sulayman (peace be upon him) with feelings of gratitude instead of pride and arrogance. But thinking that I cannot truly thank for this blessing and all the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon me and my parents, he prayed to Allah to grant him the ability to be grateful. A blessing upon one’s parents is also a blessing for a person.
➌ { وَ اَنْ اَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضٰىهُ:} Righteous deeds are those that are purely for Allah and according to the way He has prescribed. Upon being granted knowledge, Sulayman (peace be upon him) became concerned about action, because knowledge without action becomes evidence against a person.
➍ { وَ اَدْخِلْنِيْ بِرَحْمَتِكَ فِيْ عِبَادِكَ الصّٰلِحِيْنَ:} From this it is known that joining the ranks of Allah’s righteous servants and attaining Paradise is not possible without Allah’s mercy. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) says that I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: [ لَنْ يُّدْخِلَ أَحَدًا عَمَلُهُ الْجَنَّةَ، قَالُوْا وَلَا أَنْتَ يَا رَسُوْلَ اللّٰهِ!؟ قَالَ لَا، وَلَا أَنَا إِلَّا أَنْ يَّتَغَمَّدَنِيَ اللّٰهُ بِفَضْلٍ وَ رَحْمَةٍ ] [ بخاري، المرضٰی، باب تمني المریض الموت : ۵۶۷۳ ] “No one will enter Paradise because of his deeds.” The people asked, “O Messenger of Allah! Not even you?” He said, “No, not even me, unless Allah covers me with His grace and mercy.”
➎ Why did Sulayman (peace be upon him), being a prophet, pray to be included among the righteous? See Surah Yusuf (101).
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.
19-2. From this, it is understood that Paradise is the home of the believers; no one will be able to enter it without Allah's mercy. That is why, in the hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said: Remain straightforward and close to the truth, and know that no person will enter Paradise solely because of his deeds. The companions (رضي الله عنهم) asked, "O Messenger of Allah, not even you?" He replied, "Yes, not even I, until Allah's mercy covers me in its fold." Sahih Bukhari.
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.
[21]
The Ant’s Plea and Sayyiduna Sulaiman’sؑ Prayer for Rain:
He understood the words of the ant and, out of extreme joy and delight, smiled and expressed gratitude for this blessing of Allah. Then, raising his hands in supplication, he said: O Lord! Grant me the ability to be grateful for the blessings You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents. And in one narration, it is mentioned that once Hazrat Sulaimanؑ went out with the people to a field to perform the prayer for rain (Salat al-Istisqa). There he saw an ant lying on its back, raising its legs, and praying to Allah: O Allah! I am also Your creation. If You do not provide me with food and drink, how can I remain alive? Either give us food or cause us to die. Hazrat Sulaimanؑ, upon hearing the ant’s prayer, said to the people: Now return to your homes. An ant has fulfilled your need. Now, inshaAllah, it will rain. [دارقطنی بحوالہ مشکوۃ۔ کتاب الصلوٰۃ۔ باب الاستسقاء فصل ثالث]
[22]
The Literal Meaning of ﴿وَزَعَ﴾:
Here, the word ﴿أَوْزِعْنِي﴾ has been used. And the literal meaning of ﴿وَزَعَ﴾ is to stop or restrain. And ﴿وزع﴾ al-jaysh means to keep the army in orderly ranks. Hazrat Sulaimanؑ is praying that as much as You have showered blessings upon me and my parents, may my soul not become uncontrollable and unbridled and take the path of rebellion. As it often happens that the abundance of blessings from Allah corrupts the minds of most people. Keep me away from such people and such a mentality, and grant me the ability to be a grateful servant for these blessings and to do only those deeds which are pleasing to You.
The Interpretation of the Ant Speaking?
The rationalists have also displayed their intellectual prowess in the story of the Valley of the Ants. They say that the Valley of the Ants is the name of a settlement at a certain place, and Naml was the name of a tribe. Its members were also called Naml. Upon seeing Sulaiman’sؑ army, one Naml said this to another Naml. As much weight as this interpretation or distortion may carry, consider it in the context of these verses to see whether there appears to be any reasonableness in this interpretation.
