سُوْرَةُ الْقَلَمِ

Surah Al-Qalam (68) — Ayah 46

The Pen · Meccan · Juz 29 · Page 566

أَمْ تَسْـَٔلُهُمْ أَجْرًا فَهُم مِّن مَّغْرَمٍ مُّثْقَلُونَ ﴿46﴾
Or is it that you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) ask them a wage, so that they are heavily burdened with debt?
أَمْ am Or
تَسْـَٔلُهُمْ tasaluhum you ask them
أَجْرًۭا ajran a payment
فَهُم fahum so they
مِّن min from
مَّغْرَمٍۢ maghramin (the) debt
مُّثْقَلُونَ muth'qalūna (are) burdened

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 46){ اَمْ تَسْـَٔلُهُمْ اَجْرًا … :} One excuse for their not accepting Islam could be that you are asking them for some payment, which would be an unnecessary fee and burden for them; it is obvious that this is certainly not the case.

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.

46. 1. This address is to the Prophet ﷺ, but the reproach is being directed at those who did not believe in him.

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.

46. Or do you ask them for a payment, so that they are weighed down by debt [22]?

[22] You are inviting all people to Allah and conveying His message, and whatever you are doing, you are doing it sincerely and selflessly. Now, if these Qurayshi chiefs accept this invitation, then let them do so; if they do not, then let them not. Then, if other people accept this invitation, why do they become so enraged?