Surah Abasa (80) — Ayah 1
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.
(Ayah 1) ➊ { عَبَسَ وَ تَوَلّٰۤى :} In this, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) is mentioned in the third person, although later on, {” وَ مَا يُدْرِيْكَ ‘‘} he is addressed directly. The point here is that when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) showed inattention to the blind Companion, Allah Almighty, by way of reproach, showed inattention to him by not addressing him directly. In Mawdih al-Qur'an it is stated: "This speech is as if the complaint is with others about the Messenger. Later, the Messenger is addressed." Some scholars have said that due to honoring him, Allah Almighty did not express displeasure by addressing him directly.
➋ Some have said that "the one who frowned" refers to the polytheist who was sitting with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), but in the following verses, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) is clearly addressed: « فَاَنْتَ عَنْهُ تَلَهّٰى» meaning, you are showing inattention to the one who came (the blind Companion). Therefore, the aforementioned interpretation is not correct.
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.
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.
[1] Once, several Qurayshi chiefs were sitting in the presence of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and he ﷺ was inviting them to Islam. In the narrations, their names are mentioned as Utbah, Shaybah, Abu Jahl, Umayyah bin Khalaf, and Ubayy bin Khalaf. These people later proved to be the worst enemies of Islam and the Prophet of Islam, which shows that this surah was revealed at a time when the Qurayshi chiefs had not yet reached the extreme of enmity towards Islam. During this time, Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umm Maktum came to him. Abdullah bin Umm Maktum was blind. He was the cousin of Sayyidah Khadijah ؓ and among the early converts to Islam. As soon as he arrived, he asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about the meaning of a verse. And he could not see those who were sitting in the gathering of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ at that time. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ felt displeased. And the effects of this displeasure appeared on his face. He ﷺ did not pay any attention to Sayyiduna Abdullah ؓ and silenced him. The reason for this was that he ﷺ was satisfied with Sayyiduna Abdullah ؓ that he was a sincere believer and could be explained to later. For the time being, if even one of these chiefs came close to Islam, it could greatly strengthen Islam. For this reason, you remained engaged in conversation with the Qurayshi chiefs. At that moment, this surah was revealed, which Imam Tirmidhi has briefly mentioned as follows:
Abdullah bin Umm Maktum and the Sincere Seeker of Guidance:
Sayyidah Aisha Siddiqa ؓ says that the initial verses of this surah were revealed about Abdullah bin Umm Maktum. He came to the Prophet ﷺ and kept saying, "O Messenger of Allah, show me the way of the religion." At that time, a prominent man from among the polytheists was sitting with him. And you ﷺ were turning away from the first (i.e., Abdullah) and turning towards the other (the polytheist). And Abdullah ؓ would say, "Is there anything wrong in what I am saying?" and you ﷺ would say, "No." Regarding this, this surah was revealed. [ترمذي، ابواب التفسير]
From the style of address in this surah, it apparently seems that the reproach is directed towards the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, although most of this reproach is actually directed towards the Qurayshi chiefs. Then, the manner in which the reproach was revealed to you ﷺ is also remarkable. In the first verse, the third person masculine singular form is used. Then, in the third verse, you ﷺ are addressed directly, which both adds beauty to the speech and makes the tone of reproach extremely gentle. In this reproach, the method of his propagation of the true message is critiqued, that in principle, the one most deserving of attention for this invitation is the one who himself seeks guidance. After this incident, you ﷺ treated Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umm Maktum with great honor and respect and used to say: ﴿مرحبا بمن عاتبني فيه ربي﴾ (Welcome to the one about whom Allah reproached me). Also, you ﷺ appointed him several times as your deputy and governor in Madinah during your absence for jihad and other matters. Despite being blind, he used to participate practically in jihad. During the era of Umar Farooq, he was martyred while fighting in the Battle of Qadisiyyah.
