Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Or is it that you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) ask a wage from them (for your preaching of Islâmic Monotheism) so that they are burdened with a load of debt?
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
أَمْamOr
تَسْـَٔلُهُمْtasaluhum(do) you ask from them
أَجْرًۭاajrana payment
فَهُمfahumso they
مِّنminfrom
مَّغْرَمٍۢmaghramina debt
مُّثْقَلُونَmuth'qalūna(are) overburdened
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 40){ اَمْتَسْـَٔلُهُمْاَجْرًا … : ’’ اَلْغُرْمُوَالْغَرَامَةُوَالْمَغْرَمُ‘‘} Compensation, indemnity, which is wealth a person has to give even though he does not want to. On {’’ اَجْرًا ‘‘}, the tanween is for indefiniteness, meaning any kind of wage. One possible reason for not accepting the invitation of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) could have been that he might demand some kind of wage from them, and they, considering it compensation, would not be willing to bear the burden. When you do not demand any kind of wage or compensation from them, but rather consider your reward only with Allah Almighty, and without caring for your own earnings or business, you always go after them for their well-being, then why do they run away from you? See also Surah Al-Mu’minun (72).
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.
40. 1. That is, its fulfillment is difficult for them.
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.
40. Or do you (O Prophet) ask them for a reward, so that they are burdened with a debt [34]?
[34] Another possible reason for their opposition to you ﷺ could have been that you ﷺ demanded compensation and offerings from them, as is commonly done by religious contractors who collect such things from their followers and disciples and thus flourish their own businesses. But here, this is not the case at all—that you ﷺ ask them for offerings and they, considering it a burden, distance themselves from you ﷺ. In fact, your ﷺ conduct was entirely opposite to that of religious contractors. You ﷺ spent your own personal wealth in the service of religion. Due to your efforts in preaching the faith, your business had come to a standstill. Yet, you never accepted any compensation for this work of preaching. Rather, you served humanity with complete selflessness and sincerity.