Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
They have made their oaths a screen (for their evil actions). Thus they hinder (men) from the Path of Allâh: so they shall have a humiliating torment.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
ٱتَّخَذُوٓا۟ittakhadhūThey have taken
أَيْمَـٰنَهُمْaymānahumtheir oaths
جُنَّةًۭjunnatan(as) a cover
فَصَدُّوا۟faṣaddūso they hinder
عَنʿanfrom
سَبِيلِsabīli(the) way of Allah
ٱللَّهِl-lahi(the) way of Allah
فَلَهُمْfalahumso for them
عَذَابٌۭʿadhābun(is) a punishment
مُّهِينٌۭmuhīnunhumiliating
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 16) ➊ {اِتَّخَذُوْۤااَيْمَانَهُمْجُنَّةً … :} That is, on one hand, they have taken the false oaths of being Muslims as a shield to save their lives and wealth, and on the other hand, by living among the Muslims, whenever they get the chance, they create doubts and suspicions and prevent many people from Jihad in the way of Allah. See also Surah Al-Imran (168, 156), An-Nisa (72), and Surah Al-Ahzab (18). ➋ { فَلَهُمْعَذَابٌمُّهِيْنٌ:} In this world, this disgrace is that they have no honor among the Muslims, nor does any of the disbelievers trust them, and on the Day of Resurrection, a punishment in the form of {’’ الدَّرْكِالْاَسْفَلِمِنَالنَّارِ ‘‘} is prepared for them.
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. 6.1 Ayman, the plural of Yameen, means oath. That is, just as a shield is used to protect oneself from the enemy's blows, in the same way, they have made their oaths a shield to protect themselves from the swords of the Muslims.
2. 6.2 That is, by swearing false oaths, they present themselves as Muslims, due to which many people do not know the reality about them, and being deceived by them, they are deprived of accepting Islam. In this way, they also commit the crime of preventing people from the path of Allah.
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.
16. They have taken their oaths as a shield, and thus they hinder (people) from the way of Allah [20]. So for them there will be a humiliating punishment.
[20] That is, on one hand, the hypocrites swear oaths before the Muslims about being Muslim in order to remain safe from their scrutiny, and thus their lives and wealth are protected. On the other hand, they continue to sow all kinds of doubts, suspicions, and misgivings in people’s hearts against Islam, the people of Islam, and the Prophet of Islam, so that people, thinking that such news is coming from insiders, refrain from accepting Islam, believing there must be something wrong.