Surah Al-Anfaal (8) — Ayah 33
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
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.
➋ {وَ مَا كَانَ اللّٰهُ مُعَذِّبَهُمْ … :} That is, this is also Allah’s principle that as long as a nation continues to repent for its sins and seek forgiveness, He does not destroy it. Here it is said: "While they seek forgiveness." There are two interpretations of this that are more reliable. One is that even after the Prophet (peace be upon him) migrated, some Muslims were compelled to remain in Makkah, and they continued to seek forgiveness from their Lord; due to the blessing of their seeking forgiveness, punishment did not come upon the people of Makkah, as mentioned elsewhere: «{ لَوْ تَزَيَّلُوْا لَعَذَّبْنَا الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا مِنْهُمْ عَذَابًا اَلِيْمًا }» [ الفتح : ۲۵ ] "If they (the believers and disbelievers) had been separated, We would certainly have punished those among them who disbelieved with a painful punishment." The second interpretation is that among them, according to Allah’s knowledge, there were such people who would become Muslims in the future and would seek forgiveness from Allah, so such a punishment could not come upon them that would completely destroy everyone. This interpretation is also indicated in Surah Al-Fath (25): «{ لِيُدْخِلَ اللّٰهُ فِيْ رَحْمَتِهٖ مَنْ يَّشَآءُ }» "So that Allah may admit into His mercy whom He wills."
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.
33. 2. This means that in the future they will seek forgiveness after becoming Muslims, or that during Tawaf, the polytheists used to say غَفْرَانَکَ رَبَّنَا غْفُرَانَکَ.
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.
[34]
Ways of Protection from Punishment:
This verse was revealed in response to the statement of Abu Jahl, as is clear from the following hadiths.
1. Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik ؓ says that Abu Jahl had said: O Allah! If this Quran is truly Your word (revealed), then rain down stones upon us from the sky or bring upon us some punishment. In response, the following verses from ﴿وَمَا كَان اللّٰهُ﴾ to ﴿عَنِ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ﴾ were revealed. [بخاري۔ كتاب التفسير]
2. Abu Musa says that the Prophet ﷺ said: Allah Almighty has sent down two things of protection for my Ummah. Then he recited this verse. Then he said: When I depart (from this world), I will leave for you the means of protection—seeking forgiveness—until the Day of Resurrection. [ترمذي۔ ابواب التفسير]
That is, one reason why the punishment of stones is not immediately sent down upon you is that the Messenger of Allah is still present among you. In his presence, punishment cannot befall you. And the second reason is that the Messenger of Allah and the group of believers are constantly seeking forgiveness from Allah, and My law is that as long as there are people in a nation who seek forgiveness, I do not send punishment upon them.
