سُوْرَةُ النَّمْلِ

Surah An-Naml (27) — Ayah 72

The Ant · Meccan · Juz 20 · Page 383

قُلْ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونَ رَدِفَ لَكُم بَعْضُ ٱلَّذِى تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ ﴿72﴾
Say: "Perhaps that which you wish to hasten on, may be close behind you.
قُلْ qul Say
عَسَىٰٓ ʿasā Perhaps
أَن an that
يَكُونَ yakūna is
رَدِفَ radifa close behind
لَكُم lakum you
بَعْضُ baʿḍu some
ٱلَّذِى alladhī (of) that which
تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ tastaʿjilūna you seek to hasten

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 72) {قُلْ عَسٰۤى اَنْ يَّكُوْنَ رَدِفَ لَكُمْ …:} "Radeef" refers to a person who sits behind someone on a mount. That is, do not be hasty; the punishment for which you are hastening will certainly come, and it is possible that a part of it has already come near you. The beginning of this part started from the Battle of Badr itself, then during the lifetime of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the disbelievers faced several installments of this part, then the punishment of the grave is also near, and the Day of Judgment is not far either. It is said: «{ اَتٰۤى اَمْرُ اللّٰهِ فَلَا تَسْتَعْجِلُوْهُ [ النحل : ۱ ] "The command of Allah has come, so do not seek to hasten it."

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.

72-1. By this is meant the punishment of the Battle of Badr, which reached the disbelievers in the form of killing and captivity, or it is the punishment of the grave. رَدِفَ is in the meaning of nearness, just as the one who sits on the rear seat of a ride is called ردیف.

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.

Say, "It may well be that a part of that (punishment) which you are impatiently demanding is close at hand for you." [76]

[76] The demand of the disbelievers for the punishment to come quickly was not because they actually wanted the punishment to descend upon them. Rather, their intention was that they considered your promises to be false. So tell them that it is quite possible that a portion of such punishment may soon seize you. The beginning of this portion of punishment started with the Battle of Badr itself. Then, even during your lifetime, these disbelievers continued to face several episodes of this portion of punishment. And the greater part of this punishment, in fact the real punishment, they will have to endure in the Hereafter. It should be clear that in this verse, the word "‘asa" does not mean that perhaps the punishment may or may not come upon you; rather, this is a royal style of speech, and when great people address in this manner, the matter is always considered certain. And if such speech is from Allah, then there is no room for doubt in it. Because there is no difference between Allah’s will and His action. In fact, whatever Allah wills, it certainly comes to pass.