سُوْرَةُ النَّبَاِ

Surah An-Naba (78) — Ayah 21

The Announcement · Meccan · Juz 30 · Page 582

إِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ كَانَتْ مِرْصَادًا ﴿21﴾
Truly, Hell is a place of ambush -
إِنَّ inna Indeed
جَهَنَّمَ jahannama Hell
كَانَتْ kānat is
مِرْصَادًۭا mir'ṣādan lying in wait

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 22,21){ اِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ كَانَتْ مِرْصَادًا … :} From here, the state of Hell and its inhabitants is described. {’’ مِرْصَادًا ‘‘} (Ambush) refers to a place where one lies in wait to overpower an enemy or prey, so that it gets caught unawares. That is, the rebellious people are spreading corruption in the world without fear of Allah, but they do not remember that Hell is a hidden ambush for them in which they will suddenly be trapped, and then that will be their eternal abode.

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.

21. 1. "Ghaat" refers to a place where one hides and waits for the enemy so that when he passes by, an immediate attack can be made. The keepers of Hell are also sitting in wait for the inhabitants of Hell in this manner, or Hell itself, by Allah's command, is lying in ambush for the disbelievers.

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.

The tafsir of this ayah is included with the following verse(s).