Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Shall We then treat the Muslims (believers of Islamic Monotheism, doers of righteous deeds) like the Mujrimûn (criminals, polytheists and disbelievers, etc.)?
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
أَفَنَجْعَلُafanajʿaluThen will We treat
ٱلْمُسْلِمِينَl-mus'limīnathe Muslims
كَٱلْمُجْرِمِينَkal-muj'rimīnalike the criminals
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 36,35){ اَفَنَجْعَلُالْمُسْلِمِيْنَ … :} The polytheists used to say that firstly, the concept of life after death is itself incorrect; if it is true and there is punishment or reward after death, then here we are more prosperous than the Muslims. This is proof that Allah is pleased with us; in the Hereafter too, those blessings and gardens will be given to us. So Allah refuted their statement and said that there is no injustice with Allah that the obedient and the criminals be treated the same.
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.
35. 1. The polytheists of Makkah used to say that if the Day of Judgment occurs, even there we will be better than the Muslims, just as in this world we are more prosperous than the Muslims. In response to them, Allah Almighty said, how is this possible that We would make the Muslims, that is, Our obedient servants, like the criminals, that is, the disobedient ones? The meaning is that it can never happen that Allah Almighty, against justice and fairness, would make both equal.
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.
35. Shall We treat those who submit (to Allah) like the criminals [17]?
[17] A Common Misconception Among the Prosperous:
The Qurayshi chiefs believed that the comfort and prosperity they enjoyed was proof of the truth of their idolatrous religion. Moreover, it was not just this; they also thought that even if they were resurrected after death and attained another life, Allah would show them kindness there as well. They reasoned that the Lord who is kind to them today, why would He not be kind to them in the life of the Hereafter? In this verse, their very statement is being answered: how irrational is it to think that Allah would treat His obedient servants and His rebels in the same way on the Day of Resurrection?