The verse, translations and explanations by different scholars. Summarized by AI generated discussions.
“Have they not seen that We set upon the land, reducing it from its borders? And Allah decides; there is no adjuster of His decision. And He is swift in account.”
https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/62330d64-fd4e-450a-9eca-ee60cfbcaa89/audio
Below, I provide translations and tafsir (exegesis) of **Quran 13:41** (Surah Ar-Ra’d, Ayah 41) from various scholars and sources, based on available information. The verse in Arabic is:
**أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّا نَأْتِي الْأَرْضَ نَنقُصُهَا مِنْ أَطْرَافِهَا ۚ وَاللَّهُ يَحْكُمُ لَا مُعَقِّبَ لِحُكْمِهِ ۚ وَهُوَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ**
### Translations of Quran 13:41
Here are translations of the verse by different scholars:
1. **Abdullah Yusuf Ali**:
– “See they not that We gradually reduce the land (in their control) from its outlying borders? Where Allah commands, there is none to put back His Command: and He is swift in calling to account.”[](https://quranyusufali.com/)
2. **Saheeh International**:
– “Have they not seen that We set upon the land, reducing it from its borders? And Allah decides; there is no adjuster of His decision. And He is swift in account.”[](https://surahquran.com/tafsir-english-aya-41-sora-13.html)%5B%5D(https://recitequran.com/tafsir/en.ibn-kathir/13:41)
3. **Dr. Mustafa Khattab (The Clear Quran)**:
– “Do they not see that We are reducing the land from its borders? Allah decides—none can reverse His decision. And He is swift in reckoning.”
4. **Pickthall**:
– “See they not how We aim to the land, reducing it of its outlying parts? When Allah doometh there is none that can postpone His doom, and He is swift at reckoning.”
### Tafsir (Exegesis) by Different Scholars
Below are interpretations of the verse from notable tafsir works, focusing on the meaning and context of the verse:
1. **Tafsir Ibn Kathir**:
– Ibn Kathir explains that the verse refers to Allah’s power and control over the earth, specifically the reduction of land controlled by disbelievers. The phrase “reducing it from its borders” is interpreted as the conquest of territories by Muslims, diminishing the control of opposing forces. For example, during the Prophet’s time, the expansion of Muslim influence in Arabia reduced the territories held by polytheists. Ibn Kathir emphasizes that Allah’s decree is final (“there is no adjuster of His decision”), and His reckoning is swift, meaning accountability for actions is inevitable and rapid.[](https://surahquran.com/tafsir-english-aya-41-sora-13.html)%5B%5D(https://x.com/IbnHusayn02/status/1934714836476416339)
– He also connects this to historical events, such as the Muslim conquests, where lands were gradually brought under Islamic rule, reducing the dominion of disbelievers.
2. **Tafsir Al-Tabari**:
– Al-Tabari interprets “reducing it from its borders” as Allah causing the land of the disbelievers to diminish through the victories of Muslims or natural calamities. He cites various early scholars who suggest this could refer to the conquests of Muslim armies or the loss of fertile land due to divine intervention. Al-Tabari stresses that Allah’s judgment is absolute, with no one able to challenge or alter it. The phrase “swift in account” underscores Allah’s ability to quickly bring about consequences for actions.[](https://x.com/IbnHusayn02/status/1934714836476416339)
3. **Tafsir Mahmud Al-Alusi (Ruh al-Ma’ani)**:
– Al-Alusi provides a broader interpretation, suggesting that the reduction of land could be understood both literally (e.g., loss of territory through conquest or natural disasters) and metaphorically (e.g., the diminishing influence of disbelief as Islam spreads). He notes that the verse serves as a warning to disbelievers about the inevitability of Allah’s plan and the transient nature of worldly power. The phrase “no adjuster of His decision” highlights Allah’s ultimate authority, and “swift in account” indicates the immediacy of divine justice.[](https://x.com/IbnHusayn02/status/1934714836476416339)
4. **Tafsir Al-Jalalayn**:
– The tafsir by Jalaluddin Al-Mahalli and Jalaluddin As-Suyuti interprets the verse as referring to the gradual reduction of land under the control of disbelievers through Muslim conquests or divine intervention. It emphasizes that Allah’s judgment is final and unchallenged, and His reckoning is swift, serving as a reminder to humanity of divine accountability.
5. **Tafsir Ishraq al-Ma’ani (Syed Iqbal Zaheer)**:
– This modern tafsir explains that the verse could refer to the historical context of Muslim victories reducing the territories of disbelievers, as well as natural phenomena like erosion or loss of fertile land. It also highlights the theological point that Allah’s decisions are irrevocable, and His accounting is prompt, urging believers to remain steadfast and warning disbelievers of the consequences of their rejection.[](https://islamicstudies.info/quran/ishraq.php?sura=13&verse=38&to=43)
### Key Themes and Context
– **Historical Context**: The verse is generally understood to address the disbelievers of Mecca during the Prophet Muhammad’s time, who were witnessing the growing influence of Islam and the decline of their own power. The “reduction of land” is often linked to the early Muslim conquests or the spread of Islam.
– **Theological Message**: The verse underscores Allah’s sovereignty, the inevitability of His decree, and the swiftness of His accountability. It serves as both a warning to disbelievers and encouragement to believers.
– **Interpretative Variations**: While most scholars agree on the conquest interpretation, some, like Al-Alusi, offer metaphorical readings, such as the decline of disbelief or moral decay. Others, like Ibn Kathir, focus on historical events.
### Additional Notes
– The phrase “reducing it from its borders” has been interpreted in various ways, including:
– Military conquests by Muslims.
– Natural phenomena like erosion or loss of arable land.
– Metaphorical reduction of influence, authority, or disbelief.
– The verse is part of Surah Ar-Ra’d, which emphasizes Allah’s signs in creation, His power, and the consequences of accepting or rejecting His message.
If you need further details, specific translations, or tafsir from other scholars, let me know, and I can search for additional sources or clarify specific points!
Below is the translation and tafsir (exegesis) of **Quran 13:41** (Surah Ar-Ra’d, Ayah 41) from **Tafheem-ul-Qur’an** by **Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi**.
### Translation from Tafheem-ul-Qur’an
**”Do they not see that We are coming to the land, diminishing it from its borders? Allah decides; none can reverse His decision, and He is swift in reckoning.”**
### Tafsir from Tafheem-ul-Qur’an
Maududi’s exegesis of this verse, as found in Tafheem-ul-Qur’an, provides a detailed explanation of its meaning and context:
– **Context and Meaning**:
– The verse addresses the disbelievers, particularly the Quraysh of Mecca, who were opposing the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It serves as a warning that Allah’s power is manifest in the gradual reduction of their control over the land. The phrase “diminishing it from its borders” refers to the shrinking of the disbelievers’ dominion, influence, or territory.
– Maududi interprets this “reduction” primarily as the historical process during the Prophet’s time, where the spread of Islam and the victories of Muslims were diminishing the authority of the disbelievers. For instance, the early Muslim community’s growing strength in Medina and their successes in battles (e.g., Badr) reduced the Quraysh’s dominance in Arabia.
– He also notes that this reduction could have a broader application, including natural phenomena (e.g., loss of fertile land due to erosion or calamities) or the decline of a community’s power due to moral and spiritual decay.
– **Theological Implications**:
– The statement “Allah decides; none can reverse His decision” emphasizes Allah’s absolute sovereignty and authority. No human or force can alter His decree, highlighting the futility of opposing His will.
– The phrase “He is swift in reckoning” underscores the immediacy of divine accountability. Maududi explains that Allah’s judgment and consequences for actions can manifest quickly, both in this world (e.g., through the decline of disbelieving nations) and in the Hereafter.
– **Purpose of the Verse**:
– Maududi stresses that the verse is both a warning to the disbelievers and a reassurance to the believers. For the disbelievers, it signals the inevitable decline of their power if they persist in rejecting the truth. For the believers, it reinforces their confidence in Allah’s plan, encouraging patience and steadfastness in the face of opposition.
– The verse also serves as a reminder of Allah’s signs in the world, urging people to reflect on the consequences of their actions and the transient nature of worldly power.
– **Historical Application**:
– Maududi connects the verse to the early Islamic period, noting that the Quraysh’s influence was waning as Islam gained ground. He cites examples like the gradual loss of trade routes and alliances by the Quraysh, which weakened their position.
– Beyond the immediate context, Maududi suggests that the verse has universal relevance, applying to any nation or group that opposes divine guidance and faces decline as a result.
### Key Points from Maududi’s Tafsir
– **Reduction of Land**: Primarily refers to the loss of disbelievers’ control through Muslim conquests, but also includes natural or moral decline.
– **Allah’s Sovereignty**: His decisions are final, and no one can challenge or reverse them.
– **Swift Reckoning**: Divine justice is prompt, serving as a warning to reflect and repent.
– **Encouragement for Believers**: The verse reassures Muslims of Allah’s support and the ultimate triumph of truth.
### Source
This information is drawn from Tafheem-ul-Qur’an by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, specifically the English translation and commentary for Surah Ar-Ra’d, verse 41, as available in standard publications and online resources like the official Tafheem-ul-Qur’an website.
If you need further details, a comparison with other tafsirs, or additional context, let me know!