Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And purify your garments!
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَثِيَابَكَwathiyābakaAnd your clothing
فَطَهِّرْfaṭahhirpurify
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 4) ➊ {وَثِيَابَكَفَطَهِّرْ:} No matter how clean the disbelievers may appear, they do not keep their clothes pure; they neither avoid urine, nor are concerned with istinja (purification after relieving oneself), nor do they care about ghusl janabah (ritual bath after impurity). The command was given that you should keep your clothes pure. When it is necessary to keep clothes pure, then keeping the body pure is even more necessary. The apparent words of the verse demand this, and this is the primary intended meaning. However, in idiomatic usage, purity of character also means being free from the pollution of sins, so this meaning is also included: keep yourself safe from sins. Tabari has considered the first meaning to be more apparent.
➋ {’’ وَثِيَابَكَفَطَهِّرْ ‘‘} (Keep your clothes pure) also includes the command to keep the garment above the ankles, because when it is hanging down, the risk of it becoming impure is very obvious.
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.
4. 1. That is, keep your clothes clean along with your heart and intention. This command was given because the polytheists of Makkah did not observe cleanliness.
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.
And keep your garments clean and pure [4],
[4] Second Lesson: Cleanliness of Body and Clothes and the Monastic Concept:
That is, keep your clothes clean from both dirt and impurity. Use clean and tidy clothing and keep your body pure and clean. Because for the purity of the soul, cleanliness of the body and clothes is also extremely necessary. In this verse, there is a complete refutation of those monastic concepts which think that the dirtier and more untidy a person is, the more beloved and sacred he is in the sight of Allah. On the contrary, the importance Islam gives to the cleanliness of body and clothes is fully illuminated by this initial command.