Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
To transfigure you and create you in (forms) that you know not.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
عَلَىٰٓʿalāIn
أَنanthat
نُّبَدِّلَnubaddilaWe (will) change
أَمْثَـٰلَكُمْamthālakumyour likeness[es]
وَنُنشِئَكُمْwanunshi-akumand produce you
فِىfīin
مَاmāwhat
لَاlānot
تَعْلَمُونَtaʿlamūnayou know
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 61){ عَلٰۤىاَنْنُّبَدِّلَاَمْثَالَكُمْ …:} That is, We are by no means incapable of replacing you with others like you, and of transforming your forms into those you do not know, for example, by disfiguring your faces and turning you into apes or swine. This contains a severe rebuke. See also Surah An-Nisa (133), Al-An'am (133), and Ibrahim (19, 20).
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.
1. That is, He may disfigure your faces and turn you into apes and swine, and in your place, create some other creature in your form and appearance.
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.
61. That We may change your forms and create you in a form [29] you do not know.
[29] The Second Creation Will Be in the Belly of the Earth, and Its Natural Laws Will Be Entirely Different:
That is, He can completely change your method of creation, and He is capable of that as well. Previously, your creation took place in the mother's womb. The second time, your creation will be in the belly of the earth. The stages and types of your creation in the mother's womb were of one kind; the stages of your creation in the belly of the earth will be entirely different from those stages. Previously, you were born in the form of a child, and the second time you will be created in the state in which you died, and with the same stature and form. After the creation in the mother's womb, the natural laws that were set for you—let the natural laws for the second creation not be different either. In this world, death was destined for you, and escape from death was not possible. In the Hereafter, life will be destined for you, and death will never come. In this world, veils of the unseen were drawn before your eyes. In this world, all realities will become manifestly visible, to the extent that man will even be honored with the vision of Allah. If you study your first creation with deep reflection, then nothing about the second creation will seem impossible to you.