Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
That He may ask the truthful (Allâh’s Messengers and His Prophets) about their truth (i.e. the conveyance of Allâh’s Message that which they were charged with). And He has prepared for the disbelievers a painful torment (Hell-fire).
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
لِّيَسْـَٔلَliyasalaThat He may ask
ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَl-ṣādiqīnathe truthful
عَنʿanabout
صِدْقِهِمْ ۚṣid'qihimtheir truth
وَأَعَدَّwa-aʿaddaAnd He has prepared
لِلْكَـٰفِرِينَlil'kāfirīnafor the disbelievers
عَذَابًاʿadhābana punishment
أَلِيمًۭاalīmanpainful
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 8) {لِيَسْـَٔلَالصّٰدِقِيْنَعَنْصِدْقِهِمْ …:} That is, Allah Almighty did not take this covenant merely for the sake of words and promises, but He took it so that on the Day of Resurrection He will question the prophets: Did you convey My message to your people? Then what answer did your people give you, and what was the result of your invitation? The covenant taken from the prophets is also for the people of their communities, and the word "truthful" is also general. From this, it is understood that every believer will also be questioned about this covenant, then those who fulfilled this covenant made with Allah will be declared truthful and will be deserving of reward, and those who denied it, Allah Almighty has prepared a painful punishment for them.
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.
8-1. This is the lam of purpose (lām kay), meaning this covenant was taken so that Allah may ask the true prophets whether they conveyed Allah’s message to their nations, or the second meaning is that He may ask the prophets how their nations responded to their call—whether in a positive manner or negatively. In this, there is also a warning for the callers to truth that they should fulfill the duty of calling to truth with full dedication and sincerity so that they may be successful in the court of Allah, and there is also a warning for those to whom the call of truth is conveyed that if they do not accept it, then with Allah they will be criminals and deserving of punishment.
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.
8. So that Allah may question the truthful about their truthfulness [13], and He has prepared a painful punishment for the disbelievers.
[13] The Prophets Will Also Be Questioned About Their Covenant:
The matter does not end merely with taking the covenant, but Allah Almighty will also question the prophets about this covenant on the Day of Resurrection. They too will be questioned. They will also be asked whether they conveyed Allah’s message to their people, and what response their people gave them, or what was the reaction to their call. This is the meaning in terms of the context of the subject. However, here instead of “messengers,” the word “truthful ones” (ṣādiqīn) has been used. It is as if every believer will be questioned about his covenant. Then those who have fulfilled the covenant they made with Allah will be considered truly faithful to their covenant.