سُوْرَةُ عَبَسَ

Surah Abasa (80) — Ayah 17

He frowned · Meccan · Juz 30 · Page 585

قُتِلَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنُ مَآ أَكْفَرَهُۥ ﴿17﴾
Be cursed (the disbelieving) man! How ungrateful he is!
قُتِلَ qutila Is destroyed
ٱلْإِنسَـٰنُ l-insānu [the] man
مَآ how
أَكْفَرَهُۥ akfarahu ungrateful is he

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 17) ➊ {قُتِلَ الْاِنْسَانُ مَاۤ اَكْفَرَهٗ :} In the previous verses, those arrogant people were mentioned who are not even willing to listen to the truth; now a curse has been invoked upon these same disbelievers. It is said: « قُتِلَ الْاِنْسَانُ » "May man be destroyed." This is the harshest curse that can be made against someone, because the ultimate punishment in this world is to be annihilated. (Zamakhshari)

➋ The question arises that Allah does not need to curse anyone, so why is it said in this way? The answer is that this is according to the style of the Arabs, who used to curse in these words. The meaning is that despite so many blessings, the way this man is being ungrateful, anyone who reflects on this will utter such a curse.

➌ The meaning of {’’ مَاۤ اَكْفَرَهٗ ‘‘} is "What a denier of truth he is!" The second meaning is "(Despite so many blessings) what is it that has made him ungrateful?" (Ibn Jarir)

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.

The exegesis of this verse has been done along with the previous verse.

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.

17. Woe to man [10]! What a denier of truth [11] he is!

[10] Although in this verse all of mankind is addressed, what is meant is the majority of people or the disbelievers who reject the Quran. This is the Quran’s unique and refined style of address, so that the deniers of truth do not become even more obstinate out of stubbornness, but rather reflect upon the real facts.
[11] One meaning is as is clear from the translation: how greatly he denies the truth. The other meaning is: what is it that has led him to disbelief? On what basis does he deny Allah’s signs and show ingratitude?