Surah Al-Ahzaab (33) — Ayah 13
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 { فَارْجِعُوْا :} A group of the hypocrites began to say this in order to demoralize the Muslims, that between the mountain of Sal‘ and the trench (where the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had his camp), there is no way to stay anymore, so return back. This "return back" could also mean to return to Madinah, and it could also mean to return to your former religion and join the polytheists, so that they do not harm you. That is, they would encourage the Muslims towards apostasy, but in such words that if anyone questioned them, they would say, "We only meant to return to Madinah."
➌ {وَ يَسْتَاْذِنُ فَرِيْقٌ مِّنْهُمُ النَّبِيَّ :} Some of them asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) for permission to return to their homes, saying that our houses are completely unprotected and we fear that Banu Qurayzah might attack and kill our children and women, or that thieves might loot.
➍ { وَ مَا هِيَ بِعَوْرَةٍ :} Whereas in reality, they were not unprotected in any way, because the Muslims had placed all the women and children in the strong fortresses of the city and had set up checkpoints to secure them.
➎ { اِنْ يُّرِيْدُوْنَ اِلَّا فِرَارًا :} That is, the real reason for their asking permission is not this, but rather they want to flee from the battlefield in any way.
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.
13-2. That is, staying in the army of the Muslims is extremely dangerous; return to your own homes.
13-3. That is, there is a danger of attack from the side of Banu Qurayzah, thus the lives, wealth, and honor of the family members are at risk.
13-3. That is, the danger they are expressing does not exist; they want to escape under this pretext.
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.
[16] This was the first name of Madinah. When you ﷺ arrived in Madinah, it became famous as Madinat-un-Nabi ﷺ. After that, it became well-known and renowned throughout the world by the name "Al-Madinah."
[17] There are two meanings to this. One is that, seeing this distressing situation, the hypocrites began inviting their companions to leave the battlefield and return to their homes. The second meaning could be that their invitation was to leave Islam and return to their former religion. They claimed that your safety and well-being lies in abandoning Islam and joining the confederates.
[18]
The Hypocrites’ Excuse of Protecting Their Homes:
Most of the hypocrites were thinking of various excuses to avoid participating in the battle. The common excuse was that their homes were exposed to the enemy, so they should be allowed to return to protect them. And he ﷺ, due to your gentle nature, used to grant permission to such people. Or perhaps he considered it better that such people, if they remained in the Muslim army, would only cause discord. Here, the only intention is to clarify that their excuse was nothing but a false pretense, because the Muslims would make full arrangements for the protection of Madinah and their homes before heading to the battlefield.
