Surah Ar-Ra'd (13) — Ayah 16
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 { قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الْاَعْمٰى وَ الْبَصِيْرُ …:} This is the example of the polytheist and the monotheist, because the monotheist has eyes that see and a heart that thinks, whereas the polytheist is devoid of both sight and insight, utterly blind. The monotheist is illuminated by the light of monotheism, while the polytheist is not in one, but in thousands of darknesses. Light is mentioned in the singular and darknesses in the plural, because guidance and the straight path are one, while the paths of misguidance are countless.
➌ {وَ هُوَ الْوَاحِدُ الْقَهَّارُ :} He alone is the One, dominant over all, no one can oppose Him.
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.
16. 2. That is, when you admit and acknowledge that the Lord of the heavens and the earth is Allah, who is the sole owner of all powers without any partner, then why do you consider those as friends and helpers who do not even have the power to benefit or harm themselves?
16. 3. That is, just as the blind and the seeing cannot be equal, similarly the monotheist and the polytheist cannot be equal, because the monotheist is filled with the insight of monotheism, while the polytheist is deprived of it. The monotheist has eyes, he sees the light of monotheism, and the polytheist does not see this light of monotheism, so he is blind. In the same way, just as darkness and light cannot be equal. A worshipper of Allah, whose heart is filled with radiance, and a polytheist, who is wandering in the darkness of ignorance and superstitions, cannot be equal.
16. 4. That is, it is not the case that they have fallen into some doubt, rather they admit that the Creator of everything is only and only Allah.
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.
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﴿من دون الله﴾ are not creators or owners of anything, so how can they have any authority?
The polytheists of Makkah admitted that Allah alone is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, as well as everything in the universe. Their deities have no share in the creation of the universe, and it is also an established fact that the Creator has complete authority over His creation. Now, the question to them is: when your deities have not created anything, how did they become partners in the management of the universe? And how did you fall into the misconception that they are also partners and shareholders in the management of the universe? The second point is that, let alone creating anything, they themselves are created and dependent, and they do not even have control over their own benefit or harm, so how can they benefit you or remove your difficulties? Now, if one person acts in light of these arguments and worships only Allah—because He alone is the Creator and the Owner of benefit and harm—and another does not pay attention to these arguments and remains stuck in blind imitation of his forefathers, can the condition of these two be the same?
