Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Floating under Our Eyes: a reward for him who had been rejected!
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
تَجْرِىtajrīSailing
بِأَعْيُنِنَاbi-aʿyuninābefore Our eyes
جَزَآءًۭjazāana reward
لِّمَنlimanfor (he) who
كَانَkānawas
كُفِرَkufiradenied
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 14) ➊ { تَجْرِيْبِاَعْيُنِنَا:} When the doors of the sky were opened with water and the springs of the earth burst forth, so that the water of the earth and sky became one, then who can estimate the height of this water? Sitting in that ark, Noah (peace be upon him) and his companions had no idea where they were going, nor how to save it from the waves, nor did they have any control over the ark or the water. Allah Almighty says that at that time the ark was sailing under Our eyes; We were its guardian and protector, so how could any harm come to it? ➋ { جَزَآءًلِّمَنْكَانَكُفِرَ:} This has two meanings: one is that all this was done to avenge the person who was denied and not accepted as a prophet. {’’ كُفِرَ ‘‘} The second meaning is ingratitude and lack of appreciation, that is, Noah (peace be upon him) was a great blessing of Allah Almighty for this nation, and they did not value him. That is, to avenge the person who was a great blessing but was not recognized as such.
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.
The exegesis of this verse has been done along with the previous verse.
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.
14. Sailing under Our watchful eyes [14]. This was a reward for the one who was denied [15].
The Scene of the Ark During the Flood:
As the water level kept rising, the ark kept lifting higher and higher. Eventually, even the mountains were submerged in water. At that time, neither Prophet Nuh (Noah) ؑ nor any of his companions knew in which direction to steer the ark or what their destination was. They were sitting in the ark with their lives protected only by Allah’s support, and they knew nothing beyond that, while below them was an ocean of water. Allah alone was protecting and watching over the ark, and by His command, the ark would change its direction.
[15] This refers to Nuh ؑ. One meaning is clear from the translation, but if kufr is taken to mean ingratitude or lack of appreciation, then the meaning would be that the person of Nuh ؑ was a blessing from Allah among them, because of whom the punishment was withheld, and it was due to their lack of appreciation for the Prophet that this punishment befell them.