Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And We have put a barrier before them, and a barrier behind them, and We have covered them up, so that they cannot see.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَجَعَلْنَاwajaʿalnāAnd We have made
مِنۢminfrom
بَيْنِbaynibefore/between
أَيْدِيهِمْaydīhimtheir hands/their front
سَدًّۭاsaddana barrier
وَمِنْwaminand from
خَلْفِهِمْkhalfihimbehind them
سَدًّۭاsaddana barrier
فَأَغْشَيْنَـٰهُمْfa-aghshaynāhumand We covered them
فَهُمْfahumso they
لَاlā(do) not
يُبْصِرُونَyub'ṣirūnasee
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 9){ وَجَعَلْنَامِنْۢبَيْنِاَيْدِيْهِمْسَدًّا …:} That is, besides placing heavy shackles on their necks, We have set a wall in front of them and a wall behind them, then covered them from above with a veil, as a result of which they cannot see anything. This is an example of those people who persist in their ignorant and polytheistic customs. Even the clearest evidence of their error is neither visible to them nor do they listen to it. Now, how can these people come to believe in the truth?
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.
9. 1 That is, the life of this world has been adorned for them; this is like a barrier in front of them, because of which they see nothing except the pleasures of the world, and this very thing is the obstacle and veil between them and faith. And the concept of the Hereafter has been made impossible for them to imagine; this is like a barrier behind them, because of which they neither repent nor take admonition, since there is no fear of the Hereafter in their hearts.
9. 2 Or their eyes have been covered, meaning enmity towards the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and hatred for his call to truth has blindfolded their eyes, or has made them blind so that they cannot see; this is the second parable of their condition.
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.
9. And We have set a barrier before them and a barrier behind them, and We have covered them so they cannot see [9].
If there is a wall in front, a wall behind, and wherever there is no wall, a veil is placed to cover it, then how can a person see anything? Their condition has become such because they prefer to cling to their ignorant and polytheistic customs. And whatever argument is presented to prove the falsehood of these things, far from pondering over it, they do not even tolerate listening to it. At this point, it is necessary to briefly indicate that adopting means is within the control of a human being; in other words, the beginning of not accepting the truth or choosing the path of rebellion always comes from the human being. Then, whichever path a person chooses, Allah grants him the ability and support for that very path. Then, based on the adoption of these means, the result that ensues is sometimes attributed to Allah, as is the case here, because bringing about results is Allah's work, not the servant's; and sometimes it is attributed to the servant because it was the servant who adopted the means.