سُوْرَةُ الْوَاقِعَةِ

Surah Al-Waaqia (56) — Ayah 3

The Inevitable · Meccan · Juz 27 · Page 534

خَافِضَةٌ رَّافِعَةٌ ﴿3﴾
Bringing low (some - those who will enter Hell) Exalting (others - those who will enter Paradise). [Tafsir Ibn Kathir]
خَافِضَةٌۭ khāfiḍatun Bringing down
رَّافِعَةٌ rāfiʿatun raising up

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 3) {خَافِضَةٌ رَّافِعَةٌ:} That is, it will throw down the great arrogant ones who were considered honorable and of high status in the world, into Hell, and it will raise the weak believers who were considered insignificant and of low status in the world, elevating them to the highest ranks of Paradise. See also Surah Al-Mutaffifin (29 to 35).

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.

3. 1. By lowliness and highness is meant humiliation and honor. That is, it will elevate the obedient servants of Allah and abase the disobedient, even if in the world the matter appears to be the opposite.

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.

3. It will bring down some and raise up others [2].

[2] One meaning of this is that when the Day of Judgment is established, the system of the universe will be thrown into disorder. The stars will fall, the mountains will begin to fly, and all the things of this world will be overturned. The second meaning is that it will bring down the arrogant, rebellious, and oppressive people, and they will be humiliated and disgraced. From the lofty position they considered themselves to be in, they will be cast down. And those who are humble, modest, and possess pure character—whom the arrogant considered lowly and despicable in the world—will be granted honor, and they will attain high ranks and be placed in elevated positions.