سُوْرَةُ الْمَعَارِجِ

Surah Al-Ma'aarij (70) — Ayah 41

The Ascending Stairways · Meccan · Juz 29 · Page 570

عَلَىٰٓ أَن نُّبَدِّلَ خَيْرًا مِّنْهُمْ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوقِينَ ﴿41﴾
To replace them by (others) better than them; and We are not to be outrun.
عَلَىٰٓ ʿalā [On]
أَن an to
نُّبَدِّلَ nubaddila [We] replace
خَيْرًۭا khayran (with) better
مِّنْهُمْ min'hum than them
وَمَا wamā and not
نَحْنُ naḥnu We
بِمَسْبُوقِينَ bimasbūqīna (are) to be outrun

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.

41. 1. That is, after destroying them, We are fully capable of settling a new creation. When this is so, can We not resurrect them again on the Day of Resurrection?

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.

41. To replace them with others better [26] than them, and We are not to be outdone.

[26] That is, the Lord who can bring into existence so many Easts and Wests and has complete control over them such that not even the slightest difference occurs in their angles—can He not do this: that He takes away from you these petty chieftaincies, over which you are so puffed up, humiliates and disgraces you by pushing you back, and brings other people in your place? Thus, Allah Almighty pushed back these arrogant Quraysh and brought forward those Muslims with whom they considered it an insult even to sit. After the conquest of Makkah, the situation was completely reversed. The Muslims became victorious and rulers, and these Quraysh became subdued and overpowered, and later, among these disbelievers, only the one received honor who took refuge in the fold of Islam.