Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Except for those who (having fled away and then) came back (as Muslims) with repentance before they fall into your power; in that case, know that Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
إِلَّاillāExcept
ٱلَّذِينَalladhīnathose who
تَابُوا۟tābūrepent
مِنminfrom
قَبْلِqablibefore
أَنanthat
تَقْدِرُوا۟taqdirūyou overpower
عَلَيْهِمْ ۖʿalayhim[over] them
فَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟fa-iʿ'lamūthen know
أَنَّannathat
ٱللَّهَl-lahaAllah
غَفُورٌۭghafūrun(is) Oft-Forgiving
رَّحِيمٌۭraḥīmunMost Merciful
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 34) {اِلَّاالَّذِيْنَتَابُوْا ……:} That is, such people's crimes will be forgiven and they will not be given the aforementioned punishments, because surrendering themselves before being caught means that they have repented from their crimes. However, there is a difference of opinion as to whether, along with the forgiveness of punishments, the crimes they committed against people—such as murder, looting of property, or violation of honor—will also be forgiven or whether retribution will be taken for them. According to some scholars, these will not be forgiven; retribution will be taken. The inclination of Ibn Kathir and Shawkani (may Allah have mercy on them) is that they will be forgiven absolutely; they have stated that this is what the apparent words of the verse require. However, after being caught, repentance will not forgive the crimes; they will be deserving of punishment. (Fath al-Qadeer, Ibn Kathir)
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.
34. 1. That is, if before being apprehended, they declare their obedience to the Islamic government, then they will be pardoned, and the aforementioned punishments will not be given. However, there is a difference of opinion regarding whether, along with the pardon of punishments, the crimes they committed against people—such as killing, looting wealth, or violating honor—will also be forgiven, or whether retribution will be taken for them. According to some scholars, they will not be forgiven; rather, retribution will be taken. (The inclination of Imam Shawkani and Imam Ibn Kathir is that they will be pardoned absolutely, and they have described this as the requirement of the apparent meaning of the verse. However, after being apprehended, repentance will not absolve them of their crimes. They will be deserving of punishment.)
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.
34. Except for those who repent before you overpower them [67]; then know that Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.
[67] Forgiveness of Previous Sins Through Islam and Repentance:
There are two scenarios for this as well. One is that a person continued to spread corruption in the land while in a state of disbelief, then became a Muslim and came to the Muslims, abandoning all his previous habits. In this case, he will not be held accountable for his previous sins, because embracing Islam itself is an act that erases all previous sins. The second scenario is that a person, even after accepting Islam, remained guilty of spreading corruption, but later repented and began to live as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen. Now, his previous sins will not be traced and he will not be punished for them. Thus, governmental crimes will be forgiven, but the rights of people that he usurped will still remain his responsibility. He must either fulfill them or have them forgiven.