Surah An-Nahl (16) — Ayah 120
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 { اُمَّةً : } Allah mentioned the first quality of Ibrahim (peace be upon him) { ’’ اُمَّةً ‘‘ }. In this verse, the word {’’ اُمَّةً ‘‘} means leader and imam as well, as Allah said: «{ اِنِّيْ جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ اِمَامًا }» [ البقرۃ : ۱۲۴ ] "Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people." And also that he alone was an ummah (community), because he alone possessed so many virtues that are found in a group, and he alone did as much work as an entire ummah. The third meaning is that for a period of time, he and his wife alone were the Muslim ummah, as in the incident of the tyrant of Egypt and Sarah (peace be upon her), where Ibrahim (peace be upon him) said to Sarah (peace be upon her) that at this time, in this land, there is no believer except you and me, so you are my sister in faith. [ بخاری : ۳۳۵۸ ]
➌ The second quality {’’ قَانِتًا لِّلّٰهِ ‘‘} is mentioned, meaning obedient to Allah with utmost humility, because the combined meaning of both is called "qunoot."
➍ {’’ حَنِيْفًا ‘‘} is the third quality. The meaning of {’’حَنَفٌ‘‘} is to incline to one side, that is, turning away from all false religions and inclining towards the truth, rejecting all gods and turning only to Allah. His verbal, physical, and financial worship, his life and death, all were for Allah alone. See Surah Al-An'am (161 to 163).
➎ {وَ لَمْ يَكُ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِيْنَ:} This is an allusion to the polytheists of Makkah and the Jews and Christians, and a negation of all their claims of being followers of Ibrahim, that he was not among the polytheists, whereas all of you have fallen into shirk by making idols or graves, Uzair or Isa (peace be upon them), and your rabbis and monks as lords.
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.
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The Qualities of Sayyiduna Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and the Actions of the Polytheists:
Since the polytheists of Makkah claimed to be followers of Sayyiduna Ibrahim (peace be upon him), Allah Almighty has mentioned Sayyiduna Ibrahim (peace be upon him) here and described his qualities. His most prominent and foremost quality is that he stood firm alone against falsehood. On one side was an entire nation upholding disbelief and polytheism, and on the other side, the standard-bearer of monotheism was a single individual. And he accomplished as much as an entire nation or institution would; such was his determination and steadfastness. As for his beliefs and actions, he abandoned all supports and turned solely to Allah, and his obedience to Allah was such that he became entirely devoted to Him, caring not even for his own life in this path. As for polytheism, he never committed it even before prophethood, so the question of doing so afterwards does not arise. Now you yourselves should consider how justified you are in your claim of being his followers.
