Surah Al-Ikhlaas (112) — Ayah 2
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.
➋ The rule of the Arabic language is that when "al" (the definite article) comes on the predicate, it creates exclusivity in the statement. If it had been {’’اَللّٰهُ صَمَدٌ‘‘}, the meaning would have been that Allah is "Samad." Now, {’’ اَللّٰهُ الصَّمَدُ ‘‘} is stated, so the meaning is that only Allah is "Samad," no one else is "Samad." In the previous verse, {’’ اَللّٰهُ الصَّمَدُ ‘‘} is stated, which means Allah is One. There, it is not stated {’’اَللّٰهُ الْأَحَدُ‘‘} that only Allah is One. The reason is that there was no need for exclusivity there, because the being who is One is only Allah, no one else can be called "Ahad." Everyone has a second in some way or another; if there is no second in any other aspect, then in being created, there are countless others like them, so in this universe, the only being who is One is Allah, so there was no need for exclusivity there. Whereas, there are countless claimants to being "Samad," to whom people go for their needs. Therefore, it is stated that the real "Samad" is only He, because no matter how great other chiefs are, and people go to them for their needs, they themselves are in need of someone or something. Only Allah is the being who is not in need of anyone, all others are in need of Him, He feeds everyone, but is not in need of food Himself, as He said: «وَ هُوَ يُطْعِمُ وَ لَا يُطْعَمُ » [ الأنعام : ۱۴ ] "while He feeds and is not fed." Then, neither was anyone born from Him, nor was He born from anyone. The meaning of {’’ الصَّمَدُ ‘‘} is to a great extent conveyed by the word "independent."
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.
[3]
The Meaning of ﴿صمد﴾ and the Difference Between ﴿صمد﴾ and Ghani:
There are two fundamental aspects found in ﴿صَمَدٌ﴾:
(1) Something being solid and firm.
(2) People from all sides turn towards it.
And ﴿الصَّمَدُ﴾ is such an entity that is self-subsisting and self-sustaining. It is not in need of anyone, but all other creation is in need of it. For the one who is free of need, the Arabic word "Ghani" is also used, and its opposite is "Faqir." Ghani is one who is not in need of anyone else, but this word is used only in the context of being free of need in matters of wealth and riches, and Ghani refers to a wealthy person, i.e., at least one who is so wealthy that he does not need others for his livelihood. Whereas the word ﴿صمد﴾ is used in the sense of being free of need in all aspects, and others are in need of it in all aspects as well. For example, Allah is free of need from eating and drinking, and also from sleeping and resting. He is not in need of anyone for His life and existence. But all other creation is in need of Allah for every single thing—sustenance, health, life, healing, children, even for their own existence. There is no good thing for which the creation is not in need of its Creator.
