Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And verily, We will make them taste of the near torment (i.e. the torment in the life of this world, i.e. disasters, calamities, etc.) prior to the supreme torment (in the Hereafter), in order that they may (repent and) return (i.e. accept Islâm).
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَلَنُذِيقَنَّهُمwalanudhīqannahumAnd surely, We will let them taste
مِّنَminaof
ٱلْعَذَابِl-ʿadhābithe punishment
ٱلْأَدْنَىٰl-adnāthe nearer
دُونَdūnabefore
ٱلْعَذَابِl-ʿadhābithe punishment
ٱلْأَكْبَرِl-akbarithe greater
لَعَلَّهُمْlaʿallahumso that they may
يَرْجِعُونَyarjiʿūnareturn
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 21) {وَلَنُذِيْقَنَّهُمْمِّنَالْعَذَابِالْاَدْنٰى … :} That is, before that greater punishment which has just been mentioned, We will surely make them taste a lesser punishment, so that they may turn back. The meaning is the punishment of this world before the punishment of the Hereafter, as Tabari has narrated with an authentic chain from Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both): "By this is meant the calamities, illnesses, and trials of this world in which Allah puts His servants, so that they may repent." Elsewhere Allah has said: «{ اَوَلَايَرَوْنَاَنَّهُمْيُفْتَنُوْنَفِيْكُلِّعَامٍمَّرَّةًاَوْمَرَّتَيْنِثُمَّلَايَتُوْبُوْنَوَلَاهُمْيَذَّكَّرُوْنَ }»[ التوبۃ : ۱۲۶ ] "And do they not see that they are tried once or twice every year, yet they neither repent nor do they take heed." And He said: «{ ظَهَرَالْفَسَادُفِيالْبَرِّوَالْبَحْرِبِمَاكَسَبَتْاَيْدِيالنَّاسِلِيُذِيْقَهُمْبَعْضَالَّذِيْعَمِلُوْالَعَلَّهُمْيَرْجِعُوْنَ }»[ الروم : ۴۱ ] "Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of people have earned, so that He may let them taste some of what they have done, so that they may turn back." For the disbelievers of Makkah, this also refers to the killing they faced in the Battle of Badr and the famine that was imposed upon them due to the curse of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Some commentators have taken {’’ الْعَذَابِالْاَدْنٰى ‘‘} to mean the punishment of the grave, but the last words of the verse {’’ لَعَلَّهُمْيَرْجِعُوْنَ ‘‘} (so that they may return) show that this interpretation is not correct, because after the punishment of the grave there is no opportunity for repentance or turning back.
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.
21a.-1 By "عذاب ادنی" (some of the lesser or nearer punishment), the punishment or calamities and illnesses of this world are meant. According to some, it refers to the killing that the disbelievers faced in the Battle of Badr, or it is the famine that was imposed upon the people of Makkah. Imam Shawkani says: All these situations can be included in this. 21a.-2 This is the reason for sending lesser punishments before the great punishment of the Hereafter, so that perhaps they may refrain from disbelief, polytheism, and disobedience.
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.
The tafsir of this ayah is included with the following verse(s).
