Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to these hypocrites who ask your permission to run away from you): "Flight will not avail you if you flee from death or killing and then you will enjoy no more than a little while!"
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
قُلqulSay
لَّنlanNever
يَنفَعَكُمُyanfaʿakumuwill benefit you
ٱلْفِرَارُl-firāruthe fleeing
إِنinif
فَرَرْتُمfarartumyou flee
مِّنَminafrom
ٱلْمَوْتِl-mawtideath
أَوِawior
ٱلْقَتْلِl-qatlikilling
وَإِذًۭاwa-idhanand then
لَّاlānot
تُمَتَّعُونَtumattaʿūnayou will be allowed to enjoy
إِلَّاillāexcept
قَلِيلًۭاqalīlana little
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 16) ➊ { قُلْلَّنْيَّنْفَعَكُمُالْفِرَارُ … :} That is, by fleeing, your life will not be extended, nor will you escape being killed or dying by choosing to flee, because the time of death has already been appointed. So if you must die, why not die honorably fighting in the way of Allah and attain the rank of martyrdom.
➋ { وَاِذًالَّاتُمَتَّعُوْنَاِلَّاقَلِيْلًا :} That is, if you choose to flee and some of your life remains, even then you will only benefit a little from the pleasures of the world, because the fate of such cowards, in the event of the enemy's dominance, is humiliation and slavery, and even if you escape that, how long will you live anyway?
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.
16-1. That is, there is no way to escape death. Even if you return after fleeing from the battlefield, what benefit is there? After some time, you will still have to drink the cup of death.
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.
Say, "Running away will not benefit you if you are fleeing from death or killing; even then, you will enjoy only a little (while)."
[21] An Honorable Death is Far Better Than a Humiliating Life:
There are a few unchangeable facts about death. One is that death does not come before its appointed time. Is it necessary that all those who participate in battle and fight with utmost sincerity are martyred? The second fact is that death will certainly come; no one can escape it. If you choose the path of fleeing from battle, at most you may live a few more years. In the end, you must die and return to Us. It is, in any case, impossible to escape the grip of death. But cursed is the life that passes in disgrace and humiliation, for dying with honor is always better than living with disgrace.