Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
By the fig, and the olive.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَٱلتِّينِwal-tīniBy the fig
وَٱلزَّيْتُونِwal-zaytūniand the olive
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) {وَالتِّيْنِوَالزَّيْتُوْنِ:} The fig and the olive are two such fruits that, in their comprehensiveness and abundance of benefits, resemble the comprehensive virtues of man; therefore, they are presented as witnesses to man's creation in the best stature. Most commentators have interpreted the fig and the olive as referring to the land of Sham, where they grow abundantly and where ‘Isa (peace be upon him) and many prophets of Allah were born, and this is the preferred view, because after this, Mount Sinai and the secure city are mentioned.
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.
I swear by the fig and the olive.
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.
By the fig [1] and the olive [2].
[1] Teen refers both to the fig tree and its fruit, and its singular is teenah, meaning a single fig. It is a well-known, delicious fruit that is highly nutritious and is also a remedy for many illnesses. Tiyanah means a fig seller, and matanah refers to a fig orchard or a place where fig trees are abundant. [2] Zaitoon is a tree from which olive oil is extracted, and its fruit is called zaytoonah, while the oil is called zayt. Later, the term zayt came to be used for all kinds of oil, regardless of its source, and zayyat means an oilman, one who extracts or sells oil. However, in this verse, the oath is not sworn by the fig or its tree, nor by the olive tree, but rather by the land in which these trees are abundantly found. That region is the area of Shaam and Palestine. Just as it is customary among the Arabs to mention a distinguished part of something and intend the whole by it, similarly, they also have the practice of mentioning the famous produce of a region and intending the region itself. This is further supported by the next two verses of this surah, i.e., ﴿طور سينين﴾ and the city of Makkah, as all these places have been the birthplaces and abodes of the Prophets.