Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Or do they intend a plot (against you O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)? But those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) are themselves plotted against!
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
أَمْamOr
يُرِيدُونَyurīdūna(do) they intend
كَيْدًۭا ۖkaydana plot
فَٱلَّذِينَfa-alladhīnaBut those who
كَفَرُوا۟kafarūdisbelieve
هُمُhumuthemselves
ٱلْمَكِيدُونَl-makīdūna(are in) the plot
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.
It is the passive participle from { اَمْيُرِيْدُوْنَكَيْدًافَالَّذِيْنَكَفَرُوْا … : ’’ الْمَكِيْدُوْنَ ‘‘ ’’كَادَيَكِيْدُكَيْدًا‘‘}, meaning those who have fallen into someone’s plot. That is, if they want to plot against you, then let it be known that those who are denying the truth, or conspiring against it, and are making various plots, they themselves are the ones who will fall into the plot. Thus, whatever conspiracy the disbelievers made against you ﷺ at the time of your migration or at any other occasion, it failed, and every plot of theirs turned back upon them. Those who persisted in disbelief were killed badly at Badr and other occasions. The fortunate souls accepted Islam, and the entire Arabian Peninsula came under the authority of Islam.
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.
42. 1. That is, with Our Messenger, by which his destruction will occur.
42. 1. That is, their plotting and scheming will turn back upon them, and all the harm will befall them, as He said: ولا یحیق المکر السیء الا باھلہ. Thus, at Badr, these disbelievers were killed, and in many other places they were faced with humiliation and disgrace.
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.
42. Or do they intend to plot a scheme [36]? But those who disbelieve will be the ones ensnared in their plot.
[36] If none of these things are true, then inevitably these are their deceitful schemes—by leveling various accusations against you, they seek to turn people against you ﷺ and break your resolve. But it should be remembered that soon they themselves will be caught in the very traps, cunning schemes, and conspiracies they have devised. It is noteworthy that this prophecy regarding the disbelievers was made during that period of Makkan life when the poor Muslims were being severely crushed under the oppression and tyranny of the disbelievers, and no one could even imagine that the entire situation could ever be reversed.