Surah Fussilat (41) — Ayah 45
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 { وَ لَوْ لَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِنْ رَّبِّكَ لَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُمْ:} That is, if it had not already been decreed that the evil deeds of the disbelievers would not be seized immediately but that they would be given respite in this world for a certain period and the real decision would be made in the Hereafter, then their matter would have already been decided. See Surah Ibrahim (14:42), An-Nahl (16:61), and Fatir (35:45).
In {’’ وَ لَوْ لَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِنْ رَّبِّكَ ‘‘}, it is also included that if Allah Almighty had not decreed that from the progeny of these disbelievers, Muslims would be born who would raise the banner of Islam, then their story would have been ended, just as after the mistreatment in Ta’if, Allah Almighty sent the Angel of the Mountains to console the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and he came and offered the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) that if you wish, I will join the two mountains over these disbelievers. (These are two mountains of Makkah, one is Abu Qubais and the other is its opposite, Qu‘ayqi‘an.) So the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [ بَلْ أَرْجُوْ أَنْ يُّخْرِجَ اللّٰهُ مِنْ أَصْلاَبِهِمْ مَنْ يَّعْبُدُ اللّٰهَ وَحْدَهُ لاَ يُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا] [ بخاري، بدء الخلق، باب إذا قال أحدکم آمین… : ۳۲۳۱، عن عائشۃ رضی اللہ عنھا ] “Rather, I hope that Allah Almighty will bring forth from their descendants those who will worship Allah alone, and will not associate anything with Him.”
In {’’ وَ لَوْ لَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِنْ رَّبِّكَ ‘‘}, it is also included that after the drowning of Pharaoh, it was decreed that instead of the punishments that used to come upon previous nations, now in this world, the disbelievers would be punished at the hands of Muslims through jihad, and the final decision would be on the Day of Resurrection. This entire verse and its commentary have already been mentioned in Surah Hud, Ayah (110); see there.
➌ For the literal explanation of { وَ اِنَّهُمْ لَفِيْ شَكٍّ مِّنْهُ مُرِيْبٍ: ’’ شَكٍّ ‘‘} and {’’ مُرِيْبٍ ‘‘}, see Surah Hud (62).
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.
2. That is, they would have been destroyed immediately by punishment.
45. 3. That is, their denial is not due to reason and insight, but merely because of doubt which keeps them restless.
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.
[59] That is, the Book, the Torah, which was given to Musa (Moses) ؑ also contained comprehensive guidance. And people differed regarding it. Some believed in it, and many others began to oppose it. Exactly the same situation is now arising with regard to the Quran, and if it were not Allah’s will that this world is a place of trial, then the decision between these people would have already been made—those who, for the sake of certain interests and the preservation of their leadership, are determined to reject the call to truth at all costs, and are devoting all their efforts to extinguishing this call. Whereas, in reality, their hearts inwardly accept the truth of the message, and they are secretly consumed by the fear that if Islam gains dominance, then their own well-being will be at stake.
