سُوْرَةُ الْقَلَمِ
Surah Al-Qalam (68) — Ayah 9
وَدُّوا۟ لَوْ تُدْهِنُ فَيُدْهِنُونَ ﴿9﴾
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
They wish that you should compromise (in religion out of courtesy) with them: so they (too) would compromise with you.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَدُّوا۟
waddū
They wish
لَوْ
law
that
تُدْهِنُ
tud'hinu
you should compromise
فَيُدْهِنُونَ
fayud'hinūna
so they would compromise
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 9){ وَدُّوْا لَوْ تُدْهِنُ فَيُدْهِنُوْنَ : ’’ تُدْهِنُ ‘‘ ’’دُهْنٌ‘‘} is derived from (oil). Just as leather, etc., is softened by applying oil, in the same way, to soften a matter. That is, their desire is that you reduce your activities in the propagation of Islam, so they will also reduce persecuting you; if you make some amendments in your religion and make some allowance for their polytheism and other misguidances, then they will also make peace with you. You may do whatever you wish, but if you stop insisting on the implementation of Allah’s command in every aspect of people’s lives, such as their beliefs, economy, society, and government, etc., then they will tolerate your prayers and fasting, just as secular people always say even today that religion is a personal matter and should have no role in government. Remember! What Allah Almighty has forbidden is softening the matter, not softening the tone. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) is being informed that being of great character does not mean that you should soften your stance and beliefs to appease the disbelievers. As for gentleness in manner and tone, that is also a requirement of your great character and Allah’s command as well. In other words, you are being forbidden from compromise (mudahanat), not from courteous conduct (mudarat).
