Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
"Who feared the Most Gracious (Allâh) in the Ghaib (Unseen) and brought a heart turned in repentance (to Him and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism).
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
مَّنْmanWho
خَشِىَkhashiyafeared
ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنَl-raḥmānathe Most Gracious
بِٱلْغَيْبِbil-ghaybiin the unseen
وَجَآءَwajāaand came
بِقَلْبٍۢbiqalbinwith a heart
مُّنِيبٍmunībinreturning
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 33) ➊ { مَنْخَشِيَالرَّحْمٰنَبِالْغَيْبِ:} That is, he fears the Most Merciful without seeing Him, and he fears Him even when he is absent from people, when no one is with him. Here, there is a question: What is the wisdom in mentioning the word "Rahman" (the Most Merciful) along with "fear"? The answer is that by mentioning the word "Rahman," the praise of that person is intended, that despite knowing Allah's mercy and His attribute of forgiving, he still fears Him. (Zamakhshari) The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [ سَبْعَةٌيُظِلُّهُمُاللّٰهُتَعَالٰیفِيْظِلِّهِيَوْمَلَاظِلَّإِلاَّظِلُّهُ ] "There are seven people whom Allah will give shade in His shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His shade." Regarding the fifth of them, he said: [ وَرَجُلٌدَعَتْهُامْرَأَةٌذَاتُمَنْصِبٍوَجَمَالٍفَقَالَإِنِّيْأَخَافُاللّٰهَ ] "And a man whom a woman of high status and beauty invited, but he said, 'I fear Allah.'" And at the end, he said: [ وَرَجُلٌذَكَرَاللّٰهَخَالِيًافَفَاضَتْعَيْنَاهُ ][ بخاري، الزکاۃ، باب الصدقۃ بالیمین : ۱۴۲۳ ] "And a man who remembered Allah in solitude, and his eyes overflowed with tears." ➋ { وَجَآءَبِقَلْبٍمُّنِيْبٍ:} That is, his heart remains turned only towards Allah.
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.
33. 1. Munib, a heart turning towards Allah and obedient to Him. Or with the meaning of Saleem, a heart purified from the impurities of shirk and disobedience.
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.
33. Who feared the Most Merciful without seeing Him [39], and came with a heart that turns (to Him) [40].
[39] Although His attribute is Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful), still, due to His greatness and majesty, he (the servant) remains in awe of Him, thinking that perhaps his deed may or may not be accepted in the court of Allah. [40] Muneeb: Inabah means to turn back or desist from sinful acts, to admit one’s sin and resolve not to commit it again. That is, his heart was such that he hated sinful acts, and if by chance any sin was committed, he would immediately turn to Allah.