Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
"And leave the sea as it is (quiet and divided). Verily, they are a host to be drowned."
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَٱتْرُكِwa-ut'rukiAnd leave
ٱلْبَحْرَl-baḥrathe sea
رَهْوًا ۖrahwanat rest
إِنَّهُمْinnahumIndeed, they
جُندٌۭjundun(are) an army
مُّغْرَقُونَmugh'raqūna(to be) drowned
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 24) {وَاتْرُكِالْبَحْرَرَهْوًا … : ’’رَهَا،يَرْهُوْرَهْوًا‘‘} (n) {’’ الْبَحْرُ ‘‘} The stillness of the sea. {’’رَهَاالرَّجُلُرَهْوًا‘‘} When a man spreads both legs and separates them. Here, that part of the story has been omitted in which it is mentioned that when the Children of Israel reached the sea, Pharaoh also arrived from behind, and the Children of Israel became very frightened that they would be captured again. Then Allah revealed to Musa (peace be upon him) to strike the sea with his staff. He did so, and the sea split, and each part of the water stood like a great mountain in its place. Musa (peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel passed safely, then Musa (peace be upon him) was commanded: «وَاتْرُكِالْبَحْرَرَهْوًا » "And leave the sea as it is, standing still." See Surah Ash-Shu'ara (52 to 68). Upon crossing the sea, Musa (peace be upon him) was commanded to leave the sea in that state, with separate paths open in it, and not to worry about pursuit; this army is to be drowned in that very sea.
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.
24. 1. رَھْوًا means still or dry. The meaning is that by your striking with the staff, the sea will miraculously become still or dry and a path will be made in it. After you cross the sea, leave it in the same state so that Pharaoh and his army also enter it with the intention of crossing, and We will drown them there. Thus, it happened exactly as detailed earlier.
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.
24. "And leave the sea as it is, standing. Surely, their entire army will be drowned [19]."
[19] The Instruction to Leave the Sea as It Is and the Drowning of Pharaoh:
At this point, only brief references to the events have been made. When Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) and his companions had crossed the sea, they saw that Pharaoh and his mighty army had reached the other shore of the sea in pursuit of them. At that moment, Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) thought to strike his staff on the water of the sea again so that the water would flow once more, and Pharaoh and his army would remain standing on the other shore and would not be able to pursue Musa (peace be upon him) and his companions through the dry path made in the sea. But Allah Almighty revealed to Musa (peace be upon him) not to do so. Let the people and their army enter the sea. It is in this very sea that We intend to drown these people.