سُوْرَةُ الْقَلَمِ

Surah Al-Qalam (68) — Ayah 14

The Pen · Meccan · Juz 29 · Page 564

أَن كَانَ ذَا مَالٍ وَبَنِينَ ﴿14﴾
(He was so) because he had wealth and children.
أَن an Because
كَانَ kāna (he) is
ذَا dhā a possessor
مَالٍۢ mālin (of) wealth
وَبَنِينَ wabanīna and children

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.

Before {اَنْ كَانَ ذَا مَالٍ وَّ بَنِيْنَ : ’’ اَنْ كَانَ ‘‘}, the letter "Lam" is omitted, meaning {’’لِأَنْ كَانَ‘‘} is related to {’’ لَا تُطِعْ ‘‘}, that is, do not obey him merely because he possesses wealth and sons. The second meaning is that he denies Our signs by calling them tales of the ancients only because he has wealth and sons; if We had not granted him wealth and sons, he would not have adopted such arrogance and rebellion. In this case, it is related to the following verse.

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.

14. 1. That is, he commits the aforementioned moral evils because Allah has blessed him with the blessings of wealth and children, meaning he shows ingratitude instead of gratitude. That is, should the word of a person who possesses these flaws be accepted just because he has wealth and children.

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.

14. All because he is wealthy [12] and has sons.

[12] That is, despite all these vices, should his word be accepted just because he is quite wealthy and has children? Being wealthy and having children are not such qualities that would warrant obedience to such a person.