Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Are your disbelievers (O Quraish!) better than these [nations of Nûh (Noah), Lût (Lot), Sâlih, and the people of Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) who were destroyed)? Or have you an immunity (against Our Torment) in the Divine Scriptures?
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
أَكُفَّارُكُمْakuffārukumAre your disbelievers
خَيْرٌۭkhayrunbetter
مِّنْminthan
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكُمْulāikumthose
أَمْamor
لَكُمlakumfor you
بَرَآءَةٌۭbarāatun(is) an exemption
فِىfīin
ٱلزُّبُرِl-zuburithe Scriptures
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 43) ➊ { اَكُفَّارُكُمْخَيْرٌمِّنْاُولٰٓىِٕكُمْ:} This address is to the people of Quraysh: these nations were afflicted with punishment as a result of disbelief and denial, so if you choose disbelief, are any of the disbelievers among you in any way better than them, such that punishment will not come upon you? This is a rhetorical question, meaning it is not so. Besides Quraysh, all people until the Day of Resurrection are also addressed by this, because they are all part of the Ummah of Da'wah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).
➋ {اَمْلَكُمْبَرَآءَةٌفِيالزُّبُرِ:} Or is it written about you in the previous heavenly books that you may do as you wish, and you will not be punished like the previous nations? Clearly, this is not the case either.
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.
43. 1. This is an interrogative of denial, that is, O people of Arabia! Your disbelievers are not better than the previous disbelievers; when they were destroyed because of their disbelief, then why do you, when you are worse than them, hope for safety from 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.
43. (O people of Makkah!) Are your disbelievers better than those, or is there an exemption for you in the scriptures [30]?
[30] O disbelievers of Makkah! Now tell us, are you more powerful or more magnificent than those people? Then if those people could not escape Our punishment, how will you be able to escape? Or have We written in any heavenly book or scripture in your favor that you may do whatever you wish in the world and We will not call you to account? Nor will We punish you? If there is any such thing, then show it.