Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
A multitude of those (on the Right Hand) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islâm).
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
ثُلَّةٌۭthullatunA company
مِّنَminaof
ٱلْأَوَّلِينَl-awalīnathe former people
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 40,39) {ثُلَّةٌمِّنَالْاَوَّلِيْنَ (39) وَثُلَّةٌمِّنَالْاٰخِرِيْنَ:} That is, the people of the right hand will be a very large group from the previous communities and also a very large group from the last community. It is not clarified here which of the two groups will be greater in number; this matter has been clarified by the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. Abdullah bin Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates: [كُنَّامَعَرَسُوْلِاللّٰهِصَلَّیاللّٰهُعَلَيْهِوَسَلَّمَفِيْقُبَّةٍنَحْوًامِّنْأَرْبَعِيْنَرَجُلاًفَقَالَأَتَرْضَوْنَأَنْتَكُوْنُوْارُبُعَأَهْلِالْجَنَّةِ ؟ قَالَقُلْنَانَعَمْ،فَقَالَأَتَرْضَوْنَأَنْتَكُوْنُوْاثُلُثَأَهْلِالْجَنَّةِ ؟ فَقُلْنَانَعَمْ،فَقَالَوَالَّذِيْنَفْسِيْبِيَدِهِ ! إِنِّيْلَأَرْجُوْأَنْتَكُوْنُوْانِصْفَأَهْلِالْجَنَّةِوَذَاكَأَنَّالْجَنَّةَلَايَدْخُلُهَاإِلَّانَفْسٌمُّسْلِمَةٌوَمَاأَنْتُمْفِيْأَهْلِالشِّرْكِإِلَّاكَالشَّعْرَةِالْبَيْضَاءِفِيْجِلْدِالثَّوْرِالْأَسْوَدِأَوْكَالشَّعْرَةِالسَّوْدَاءِفِيْجِلْدِالثَّوْرِالْأَحْمَرِ ][مسلم، الإیمان، باب کون ھٰذہ الأمۃ نصف أھل الجنۃ : ۳۷۷ /۲۲۱ ] “We were about forty men with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, in a tent. He, peace and blessings be upon him, said: ‘Do you like that you should be a fourth of the people of Paradise?’ We said: ‘Yes!’ Then he said: ‘Do you like that you should be a third of the people of Paradise?’ We said: ‘Yes!’ Then he, peace and blessings be upon him, said: ‘By Him in Whose hand is my soul! I hope that you will be half of the people of Paradise, and that is because no one will enter Paradise except a Muslim. And in comparison to the polytheists, your number is like a white hair on the skin of a black ox or a black hair on the skin of a red ox.’”
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.
39-1. That is, from among the people from Adam (علیہ السلام) to the Prophet ﷺ, or from among the earlier ones of the Ummah of Muhammad.
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.
The tafsir of this ayah is included with the following verse(s).