سُوْرَةُ الْوَاقِعَةِ

Surah Al-Waaqia (56) — Ayah 70

The Inevitable · Meccan · Juz 27 · Page 536

لَوْ نَشَآءُ جَعَلْنَـٰهُ أُجَاجًا فَلَوْلَا تَشْكُرُونَ ﴿70﴾
If We willed, We verily could make it salt (and undrinkable): why then do you not give thanks (to Allâh)?
لَوْ law If
نَشَآءُ nashāu We willed
جَعَلْنَـٰهُ jaʿalnāhu We (could) make it
أُجَاجًۭا ujājan salty
فَلَوْلَا falawlā then why are you not grateful
تَشْكُرُونَ tashkurūna then why are you not grateful

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.

The tafsir of this verse may be read with the following verses.

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.

70-1. That is, why do you not express your practical gratitude for this favor by obeying Us?

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.

70. If We willed, We could make it salty [32], so why are you not grateful?

[32]
The Water Vapors Are from Salty Water, Yet Rainwater Is Pleasant:

This is another marvel of the power of Allah Almighty. Due to the heat of the sun, water vapors rise from the surface of the sea. These vapors later take the form of clouds and fall as rain. The water of the sea, from which the vapors rise, is extremely salty and burning to the chest. But the rain that falls contains no trace of saltiness. Whereas, when we distill the essence from herbs or medicines in a similar way, the taste and smell are also transferred. For example, in the distillate of fennel, ajwain, borage, or rose, the taste and smell of these things are also transferred. But the saltiness of the sea does not transfer into the water vapors, and this is a special mercy of Allah. Otherwise, no living being on this earth could survive by drinking such water, nor could crops grow from such water, as produce is the second greatest support for the life of living beings after water.