Surah An-Nahl (16) — Ayah 91
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 {وَ لَا تَنْقُضُوا الْاَيْمَانَ بَعْدَ تَوْكِيْدِهَا …:} Making it firm does not mean that breaking those oaths which have not been made firm is permissible, because every covenant upon which an oath is sworn, Allah is made a guarantor over it and it becomes firm, and breaking it without excuse is not permissible. Rather, breaking a covenant is a sign of hypocrisy. Some oaths a person takes upon himself, that he will do or not do something. If he cannot fulfill them, its expiation is mentioned in Surah Al-Ma’idah (89). Similarly, the ruling of a vain oath has already been mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah (225) and Surah Al-Ma’idah (89).
➌ Regarding the oath about which it becomes clear that not adhering to it is better religiously, then he should break that oath and do what is better. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [ مَنْ حَلَفَ عَلٰی يَمِيْنٍ فَرَأَی غَيْرَهَا خَيْرًا مِّنْهَا، فَلْيُكَفِّرْ عَنْ يَمِيْنِهِ وَلْيَفْعَلْ ] [مسلم، الأیمان و النذور، باب ندب من حلف یمینًا فرأی غیرھا خیرَا منہا أن یأتی … : ۱۲ /۱۶۵۰ ] “Whoever swears an oath about something, then sees that something else is better than it, let him do what is better and offer expiation for his oath.”
➍ If someone makes a covenant or swears an oath to do something unlawful, then fulfilling it is not permissible. See Surah Al-Baqarah (224).
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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Three Types of Covenants or Agreements:
In this verse, Allah Almighty has mentioned three types of covenants and has instructed to fulfill them. The first is the Covenant of Alast, and this is the most important, and its mention has already passed at several places before. The second is the covenant which one individual makes with another individual, making Allah a witness and making it firm. Similarly, the third are those sworn agreements which one tribe makes with another tribe, one nation with another nation, or one government with another government. In short, whatever type of agreement it may be, one should try to fulfill it in every case and should not seek ways to escape from it. One should not act opportunistically or out of self-interest. To break a covenant after seeing favorable conditions for oneself, and to make unlawful interpretations of it to serve one's own interests, is the work of hypocrites.
