سُوْرَةُ الزُّخْرُفِ

Surah Az-Zukhruf (43) — Ayah 56

Ornaments of gold · Meccan · Juz 25 · Page 493

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فَجَعَلْنَـٰهُمْ سَلَفًا وَمَثَلًا لِّلْـَٔاخِرِينَ ﴿56﴾

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

And We made them a precedent (as a lesson for those coming after them), and an example to later generations.

Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning

فَجَعَلْنَـٰهُمْ fajaʿalnāhum And We made them
سَلَفًۭا salafan a precedent
وَمَثَلًۭا wamathalan and an example
لِّلْـَٔاخِرِينَ lil'ākhirīna for the later (generations)

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 56) {فَجَعَلْنٰهُمْ سَلَفًا وَّ مَثَلًا لِّلْاٰخِرِيْنَ:’’ سَلَفًا ‘‘ ’’ سَالِفٌ ‘‘} is the plural of {’’خَادِمٌ‘‘}, just as the plural of {’’حَارِسٌ‘‘} is {’’خَدَمٌ‘‘} and {’’حَرَسٌ‘‘ }. {’’سالف‘‘} refers to one who is first in existence, in an action, or in a place before another. Since the mention here is of retribution, {’’ سَلَفًا ‘‘} refers to those who are first in retribution, meaning those who come after them will also face similar retribution. The meaning of {’’ مَثَلًا ‘‘} is a similar thing, intended as a lesson that is taken by seeing people like oneself, that if we continue actions like theirs, our end will be the same. {’’ لِلْاٰخِرِيْنَ ‘‘} are those who are the last to resemble the people of Pharaoh mentioned in this discourse. The intent is the polytheists who denied the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, because in idol worship and denying the Messenger, they are the last to resemble them. The meaning is that We made them a lesson for these last polytheists, so it is incumbent upon them to take heed from their outcome.

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.

56. 1. That is, they were made an admonition and example for those who come after them. So that they do not commit disbelief, oppression, arrogance, and corruption as Pharaoh did, in order that they may be saved from such a fate that serves as a lesson.

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.

56. Then We made them a thing of the past [54] and an example for those who came after.

[54] That is, they were wiped from the face of existence in such a way that no one remained to mention them with goodness. However, they certainly became a lesson for later people, showing what the outcome is for the rebels and disobedient ones against Allah, because Pharaoh and the people of Pharaoh were, in fact, the forerunners of those who rebelled against Allah.
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