سُوْرَةُ الصَّافَّاتِ

Surah As-Saaffaat (37) — Ayah 49

Those drawn up in Ranks · Meccan · Juz 23 · Page 447

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كَأَنَّهُنَّ بَيْضٌ مَّكْنُونٌ ﴿49﴾

Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali

(Delicate and pure) as if they were (hidden) eggs (well) preserved.

Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning

كَأَنَّهُنَّ ka-annahunna As if they were
بَيْضٌۭ bayḍun eggs
مَّكْنُونٌۭ maknūnun well protected

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 49) { كَاَنَّهُنَّ بَيْضٌ مَّكْنُوْنٌ: ’’ بَيْضٌ ‘‘ ’’بَيْضَةٌ‘‘} The word 'بَيْضٌ' is the plural of 'بَيْضَةٌ', meaning eggs. The color of an egg is usually white tinged with red, with some yellow mixed in. This color remains when kept hidden, otherwise it fades. Especially the eggs of the ostrich are of this color, and the ostrich places them on a bed of its soft and gentle feathers and covers them with the same. The Arabs greatly admire such a complexion in women and liken them to eggs kept hidden. In Ashraf al-Hawashi it is stated: “Some commentators have interpreted {’’ بَيْضٌ مَّكْنُوْنٌ ‘‘} as ‘the membrane hidden beneath the eggshell,’ and this is the very interpretation transmitted by Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), so this is the authentic interpretation. She says that she asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about the meaning of {’’ بَيْضٌ مَّكْنُوْنٌ ‘‘}, and he replied: ‘Their (i.e., the maidens of Paradise) softness and delicacy will be like the membrane that clings to the eggshell, and it is called {’’غِرْقِيٌّ‘‘}.’” (Ibn Kathir, Ibn Jarir) In Qamus it is stated: {’’غَرْقَأَتِ الدَّجَاجَةُ بَيْضَتَهَا‘‘} “The hen laid an egg without a hard shell.” But the researcher of Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Hikmat bin Bashir, has written about this narration: “It has been narrated by Tabari and Tabarani with the same chain and text, and its chain is weak due to Sulaiman bin Abi Karima. Al-‘Uqayli and Ibn ‘Adi have declared him weak.” Furthermore, in the Qur’an these women are also called {’’ اللُّؤْلُؤِ الْمَكْنُوْنِ ‘‘}, so the appropriateness of {’’ بَيْضٌ مَّكْنُوْنٌ ‘‘} and {’’ اللُّؤْلُؤِ الْمَكْنُوْنِ ‘‘} should be kept in mind. (And Allah knows best)

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.

49. 1. That is, an ostrich has concealed them under their wings, due to which they will be protected from wind and dust.

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.

49. (Delicate) as if they were hidden (membranes) under the eggshell [28].

[28]
Various Interpretations of "Bayd" (Eggs):

Several interpretations have been given for this verse. One is that their complexion will be white, meaning they will be fair-skinned and their skin will be completely flawless.
The second is that the eggs referred to here are ostrich eggs, which are extremely beautiful in color. This interpretation is also supported by this verse: ﴿كَأنَّهُنَّ الْيَاقُوْتُ وَالْمَرْجَانُ﴾ [55: 58] (i.e., the women of Paradise will be like rubies and coral).
And the third interpretation is the one that is transmitted. Thus, when Sayyidah Umm Salamah ؓ asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about the explanation of this very verse, he ﷺ said: Their softness and delicacy will be like the membrane that is between the shell of an egg and its core (Ibn Jarir). Considering this interpretation as authentic, the translation has been recorded accordingly. This is the third attribute of the women of Paradise.
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