Surah Fussilat (41) — Ayah 11
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 {قَالَتَاۤ اَتَيْنَا طَآىِٕعِيْنَ:} Both of them said, "We come willingly." From this, it is understood that the things in the universe that naturally obey Allah Almighty, such as the angels who do not say or do anything without His command, likewise the sun, moon, stars, clouds, winds, seas, plants, animals, and inanimate objects—in short, everything is operating according to Allah Almighty's command, not deviating even an atom's weight—so all these things are not acting under compulsion but are following the Owner's command with their own pleasure and willingness. Allah Almighty has made their very nature Islam (submission and obedience).
From this, it is also understood that everything in the heavens and the earth has complete understanding to listen to, comprehend, respond to, and act upon the commands of its Lord, even if we consider it {’’ لَا يَعْقِلُ‘‘} (unintelligent), because the word {’’ طَآىِٕعِيْنَ ‘‘} (sound masculine plural) in Arabic lexicon is used for those possessing intellect. It is another matter that we may not understand their conversation or glorification. See also Surah Bani Isra'il (44).
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.
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]
The Mixed Mass of Earth and Heavens:
In this verse, the word "thumma" is not in the sense of chronological order, but rather refers to one aspect of the creation of the earth and the heavens. In other words, this is not an event that occurred after the creation of the earth, but rather before it, which is mentioned later. And the clear evidence for this is this verse: ﴿اَوَلَمْ يَرَ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْٓا اَنَّ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضَ كَانَتَا رَتْقًا فَفَتَقْنٰهُمَا﴾ meaning, were the earth and the heavens not previously mixed and merged together? Then We separated them. And here it is being stated that at that time, in the vast expanse of space, there was nothing but smoke or a compound type of gases. That is, the primordial matter of the universe was also a collection of gases. From this collection of gases, Allah Almighty created the earth, the heavens, the sun, the moon, the stars—everything. The design of the universe that Allah Almighty intended, that the earth should be at such-and-such a place and of such-and-such a size, the heavens should be like this, the sun at such-and-such a place and at such a distance from the earth and of such a size, the stars and galaxies, the moon and stars should be like this and like that—all these things continued to be formed from this mass of gases according to the will of Allah Almighty. And thus, six days (periods) were spent in the creation of the universe.
