سُوْرَةُ الْاَحْقَافِ
Surah Al-Ahqaf (46) — Ayah 21
۞ وَٱذْكُرْ أَخَا عَادٍ إِذْ أَنذَرَ قَوْمَهُۥ بِٱلْأَحْقَافِ وَقَدْ خَلَتِ ٱلنُّذُرُ مِنۢ بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِۦٓ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوٓا۟ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ ﴿21﴾
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And remember (Hûd) the brother of ‘Âd, when he warned his people in Al-Ahqâf (the curved sand-hills in the southern part of Arabian Peninsula). And surely, there have passed away warners before him and after him (saying): "Worship none but Allâh; truly, I fear for you the torment of a mighty Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)."
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
۞ وَٱذْكُرْ
wa-udh'kur
And mention
أَخَا
akhā
(the) brother
عَادٍ
ʿādin
(of) Aad
إِذْ
idh
when
أَنذَرَ
andhara
he warned
قَوْمَهُۥ
qawmahu
his people
بِٱلْأَحْقَافِ
bil-aḥqāfi
in the Al-Ahqaf
وَقَدْ
waqad
and had already passed away
خَلَتِ
khalati
and had already passed away
ٱلنُّذُرُ
l-nudhuru
[the] warners
مِنۢ
min
before him
بَيْنِ
bayni
before him
يَدَيْهِ
yadayhi
before him
وَمِنْ
wamin
and after him
خَلْفِهِۦٓ
khalfihi
and after him
أَلَّا
allā
That not
تَعْبُدُوٓا۟
taʿbudū
you worship
إِلَّا
illā
except
ٱللَّهَ
l-laha
Allah
إِنِّىٓ
innī
Indeed, I
أَخَافُ
akhāfu
[I] fear
عَلَيْكُمْ
ʿalaykum
for you
عَذَابَ
ʿadhāba
a punishment
يَوْمٍ
yawmin
(of) a Day
عَظِيمٍۢ
ʿaẓīmin
Great
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 21) ➊ If it is from {وَ اذْكُرْ اَخَا عَادٍ: ’’ اذْكُرْ ‘‘ ’’ذِكْرٌ‘‘}, then it means mention it before your people, so that they may take heed, and if it is from {’’ذُكْرٌ‘‘}, then it means remember it, so that you may find comfort from it. Both meanings can be intended at the same time, because {’’ اذْكُرْ ‘‘} is an imperative verb that applies to both. After describing the condition of the arrogant on the Day of Resurrection, mention is made of some arrogant nations in the world, among which the people of ‘Ad are mentioned in some detail, and the state of other nations is described briefly in verse (27): « وَ لَقَدْ اَهْلَكْنَا مَا حَوْلَكُمْ مِّنَ الْقُرٰى». By the brother of ‘Ad is meant Hud (peace be upon him), as He said: «وَ اِلٰى عَادٍ اَخَاهُمْ هُوْدًا » [ الأعراف : ۶۵ ] “And to ‘Ad, their brother Hud (was sent).” For details, see the commentary of Surah Al-A’raf (65). Hud (peace be upon him) is called the brother of the people of ‘Ad because he was one of them. The detailed mention of ‘Ad is because, among the Arab nations, this is the first nation to whom a messenger came after the general prophethood of Noah (peace be upon him). The era of Hud and Salih (peace be upon them) is before that of Ibrahim (peace be upon him). The chiefs of Quraysh, who were proud of their greatness, were told the story of the people of ‘Ad, who were the most powerful nation in their land.
➋ {اِذْ اَنْذَرَ قَوْمَهٗ بِالْاَحْقَافِ: ’’اَلْأَحْقَافُ‘‘ ’’حِقْفٌ‘‘} is the plural of {’’حِقْفٌ‘‘}, which refers to a high and elongated sand dune that is somewhat crooked. {’’اِحْقَوْقَفَ الشَّيْءُ‘‘} is when something is crooked. Here, “Ahqaf” refers to that region of Hadramaut in eastern Yemen, which is part of the great Arabian desert (Rub‘ al-Khali). The people of Hud (peace be upon him) lived there, and at that time it was a very fertile and developed area, with abundant springs, gardens, and livestock, as mentioned in Surah Ash-Shu‘ara (132 to 134). After Allah’s punishment, that area was so destroyed that to this day there is no sign of habitation, only desert everywhere and long, wide sand dunes. It appears that this area is called “Ahqaf” in reference to its present state. In Tafheem-ul-Quran it is stated: “Seeing the present state of Ahqaf, no one can imagine that once a powerful nation with a splendid civilization lived here. It is likely that thousands of years ago it was a lush area, and later changes in climate turned it into a desert. Today, its condition is such that it is a vast, desolate desert, into whose interior no one dares to venture. In 1843, a Bavarian soldier reached its southern edge; he says that standing on the northern plateau of Hadramaut and looking, this desert appears a thousand feet below, and in it there are places with such white patches that if anything falls into them, it keeps sinking into the sand and becomes completely decayed. The Bedouins of Arabia are very afraid of this area and are not willing to go there at any cost. On one occasion, when the Bedouins were not willing to take him there, he went alone. He states that the sand here is as fine as powder; from a distance, he threw a plumb line into it, and within five minutes it was swallowed up, and the end of the rope to which it was tied rotted away. For detailed information, see:
Arabia and the Isles by Harold Ingrams, London 1946
The Unveiling of Arabia. By Reginald Hugh Kiernan, London 1937
The Empty Quarter By St John Philby. London 1933
➌ {وَ قَدْ خَلَتِ النُّذُرُ مِنْۢ بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَ مِنْ خَلْفِهٖۤ …:} Allah Almighty is saying that before Hud (peace be upon him), many warners had passed, and after him, many prophets passed, warning their respective peoples; the teaching of all was that none should be worshipped except Allah. The mention of warners is made because glad tidings are given to those who believe. The beginning of this surah is also with this matter, as He said: «وَ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا عَمَّاۤ اُنْذِرُوْا مُعْرِضُوْنَ » [ الأحقاف : ۳ ] “And those who disbelieved turn away from that with which they were warned.”
➍ { اِنِّيْۤ اَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيْمٍ: ’’ عَظِيْمٍ ‘‘ ’’ يَوْمٍ ‘‘} is an attribute of “yawm”. By that great day is meant either the Day of the Hereafter or the day of the destructive punishment in this world, which came upon the people of ‘Ad in the form of a windstorm. The day is called great because of the great events that will occur in it.
➋ {اِذْ اَنْذَرَ قَوْمَهٗ بِالْاَحْقَافِ: ’’اَلْأَحْقَافُ‘‘ ’’حِقْفٌ‘‘} is the plural of {’’حِقْفٌ‘‘}, which refers to a high and elongated sand dune that is somewhat crooked. {’’اِحْقَوْقَفَ الشَّيْءُ‘‘} is when something is crooked. Here, “Ahqaf” refers to that region of Hadramaut in eastern Yemen, which is part of the great Arabian desert (Rub‘ al-Khali). The people of Hud (peace be upon him) lived there, and at that time it was a very fertile and developed area, with abundant springs, gardens, and livestock, as mentioned in Surah Ash-Shu‘ara (132 to 134). After Allah’s punishment, that area was so destroyed that to this day there is no sign of habitation, only desert everywhere and long, wide sand dunes. It appears that this area is called “Ahqaf” in reference to its present state. In Tafheem-ul-Quran it is stated: “Seeing the present state of Ahqaf, no one can imagine that once a powerful nation with a splendid civilization lived here. It is likely that thousands of years ago it was a lush area, and later changes in climate turned it into a desert. Today, its condition is such that it is a vast, desolate desert, into whose interior no one dares to venture. In 1843, a Bavarian soldier reached its southern edge; he says that standing on the northern plateau of Hadramaut and looking, this desert appears a thousand feet below, and in it there are places with such white patches that if anything falls into them, it keeps sinking into the sand and becomes completely decayed. The Bedouins of Arabia are very afraid of this area and are not willing to go there at any cost. On one occasion, when the Bedouins were not willing to take him there, he went alone. He states that the sand here is as fine as powder; from a distance, he threw a plumb line into it, and within five minutes it was swallowed up, and the end of the rope to which it was tied rotted away. For detailed information, see:
Arabia and the Isles by Harold Ingrams, London 1946
The Unveiling of Arabia. By Reginald Hugh Kiernan, London 1937
The Empty Quarter By St John Philby. London 1933
➌ {وَ قَدْ خَلَتِ النُّذُرُ مِنْۢ بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَ مِنْ خَلْفِهٖۤ …:} Allah Almighty is saying that before Hud (peace be upon him), many warners had passed, and after him, many prophets passed, warning their respective peoples; the teaching of all was that none should be worshipped except Allah. The mention of warners is made because glad tidings are given to those who believe. The beginning of this surah is also with this matter, as He said: «وَ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا عَمَّاۤ اُنْذِرُوْا مُعْرِضُوْنَ » [ الأحقاف : ۳ ] “And those who disbelieved turn away from that with which they were warned.”
➍ { اِنِّيْۤ اَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيْمٍ: ’’ عَظِيْمٍ ‘‘ ’’ يَوْمٍ ‘‘} is an attribute of “yawm”. By that great day is meant either the Day of the Hereafter or the day of the destructive punishment in this world, which came upon the people of ‘Ad in the form of a windstorm. The day is called great because of the great events that will occur in it.
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.
21. 1. Ahqaf is the plural of haqqaf, which means a high, rectangular sand dune. Some have interpreted it to mean mountain and cave. This is the name of the region of the people of Hud (peace be upon him), the first 'Ad, which was near Hadramaut (Yemen). In view of the denial by the disbelievers, the incidents of previous prophets (peace be upon them) are being mentioned to console the Prophet ﷺ.
21. 2. By "Yawm 'Azim" is meant the Day of Resurrection, which is rightly called the great day because of its terrors.
21. 2. By "Yawm 'Azim" is meant the Day of Resurrection, which is rightly called the great day because of its terrors.
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.
21. And mention to them the brother of ‘Ad (Hud) [33], when he warned his people in the sand dunes (Ahqaf) [34]—and warners had come before him and after him—saying, "Worship none but Allah. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day." [35]
[33] Here, the mention of the people of ‘Ad is made in this context because these people were even more arrogant, proud, and rebellious than the chiefs of Quraysh. In terms of stature, build, and physical strength, this nation far surpassed the disbelievers of Makkah.
[34]
Ahqaf: The Dwelling Place of the People of ‘Ad:
Ahqaf is the plural of “haqf,” meaning large dunes spread over miles of sand. This was the region where the people of ‘Ad lived. At one time, it was a lush and fertile area. The people of ‘Ad had built underground houses there. This region is located in southern Arabia, north of Hadramaut. Nowadays, there are only sand dunes there, stretching for hundreds of miles. This area is now called “Rub‘ al-Khali.” No one dares to enter this desert. And whatever falls into this sand sinks and becomes sand itself, just as something that falls into a salt mine becomes salt.
[35] Many prophets came to this region before Hud ؑ and continued to come after him. The teaching of all of them was that Allah alone is the Creator and Master of the universe and of you. Therefore, only He is worthy of worship. Worship Him alone, because no one else has any power whatsoever. And if you do not obey Allah’s command, and do not refrain from shirk and your rebellion, then a severe punishment will descend upon you.
[33] Here, the mention of the people of ‘Ad is made in this context because these people were even more arrogant, proud, and rebellious than the chiefs of Quraysh. In terms of stature, build, and physical strength, this nation far surpassed the disbelievers of Makkah.
[34]
Ahqaf: The Dwelling Place of the People of ‘Ad:
Ahqaf is the plural of “haqf,” meaning large dunes spread over miles of sand. This was the region where the people of ‘Ad lived. At one time, it was a lush and fertile area. The people of ‘Ad had built underground houses there. This region is located in southern Arabia, north of Hadramaut. Nowadays, there are only sand dunes there, stretching for hundreds of miles. This area is now called “Rub‘ al-Khali.” No one dares to enter this desert. And whatever falls into this sand sinks and becomes sand itself, just as something that falls into a salt mine becomes salt.
[35] Many prophets came to this region before Hud ؑ and continued to come after him. The teaching of all of them was that Allah alone is the Creator and Master of the universe and of you. Therefore, only He is worthy of worship. Worship Him alone, because no one else has any power whatsoever. And if you do not obey Allah’s command, and do not refrain from shirk and your rebellion, then a severe punishment will descend upon you.
