Surah An-Nahl (16) — 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 By { وَ بِالنَّجْمِ هُمْ يَهْتَدُوْنَ: ’’اَلنَّجْمُ‘‘} is meant here the category, not any single star, that is, at night on sea or land where other signs do not work, people determine the way through the stars. Besides the paths, direction, qiblah, and times are also recognized through the stars. All these things are included in {’’ يَهْتَدُوْنَ ‘‘}, (Ruh al-Ma‘ani). The pronoun in {’’ هُمْ ‘‘} includes every traveler moving on land and sea, but first and foremost the people of Makkah are included, because they used to travel frequently for trade and were famous for determining routes through the stars. See the commentary of Surah Quraysh. Previously, the address was to the disbelievers; here, their mention is with the pronoun of the absent, this shift is to express displeasure at their polytheism despite such great blessings, that you people are not even worthy of direct address, but in the next verse, the address returns, because in it there is a direct question to silence them.
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.
[16]
The Importance of Landmarks:
For instance, there might be a mound somewhere, a flowing stream, or a pass. Such signs and some other temporary markers like a tall tree, a town, or a tall building, etc. Along with other benefits of such things, one benefit is that a traveler can determine through these signs whether he is on the right path. The true value of these signs is realized when a person has to travel in a vast, desolate desert where there is no landmark or sign. In such a place, there is a severe risk of losing the way and getting lost in a maze. And if someone loses the way once, it becomes very difficult to find the path again.
[17]
Guidance from the Stars:
At night, a person can determine the time from the movement of the stars—how much of the night has passed and how much remains—as well as direction. During nighttime travel, stars provide complete guidance, whether the journey is by sea or by land. Nowadays, travelers generally use a compass for assistance, but in reality, this too is indirect guidance from the stars. Wherever you are in the world, the needle of the compass always points exactly north or towards the Pole Star, from which the other directions are marked on the compass.
