Surah Al-Israa (17) — Ayah 21
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.
In the Hereafter, the difference between the levels of Hell and the ranks of Paradise will be even greater than this. Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) is the narrator that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: [ إِنَّ أَهْلَ الْجَنَّةِ يَتَرَاءَوْنَ أَهْلَ الْغُرَفِ مِنْ فَوْقِهِمْ، كَمَا تَتَرَاءَوْنَ الْكَوْكَبَ الدُّرِّيَّ الْغَابِرَ فِي الْأُفُقِ مِنَ الْمَشْرِقِ أَوِ الْمَغْرِبِ لِتَفَاضُلِ مَا بَيْنَهُمْ قَالُوْا يَا رَسُوْلَ اللّٰهِ ! تِلْكَ مَنازِلُ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ لاَ يَبْلُغُهَا غَيْرُهُمْ ؟ قَالَ بَلٰی ، وَالَّذِيْ نَفْسِيْ بِيَدِهِ رِجَالٌ آمَنُوْا بِاللّٰهِ وَصَدَّقُوا الْمُرْسَلِيْنَ ] [ بخاری، بدء الخلق، باب ما جاء في صفۃ الجنۃ و أنہا مخلوقۃ : ۳۲۵۶۔ مسلم : ۲۸۳۱ ] “The people of Paradise will look at those above them in lofty chambers as you see a shining star far away in the east or west, due to the difference in ranks among them.” The people said: “O Messenger of Allah! Will these be the stations of the Prophets, which no one else can reach?” He said: “Yes, indeed! By the One in Whose hand is my soul! These will be men who believed in Allah and affirmed the Messengers.”
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.
[21]
The Excellence of Character and Conduct is the True Excellence, Both in This World and the Hereafter:
This excellence can be in terms of wealth and riches, and also in terms of character and conduct. The excellence that is attained through wealth and riches, if it has any value, it is only in the eyes of those who seek the world. In fact, at times, it does not even have value in their eyes. But the excellence that is attained through character and conduct is the true and everlasting excellence and honor, and this excellence is only granted to those who seek the Hereafter, who fear Allah, who are obedient to Him, who do not deceive or cheat anyone, and who take care of everyone's rights. The value and worth of the excellence of such people is not only in the eyes of those who seek the Hereafter, but also in the eyes of those who seek the world. Then, in the Hereafter, the excellence and ranks that will be granted to these seekers of the Hereafter will be far greater and better than those of this world. And it is mentioned in the Sahihain that the distance between every level of Paradise is as much as that between the earth and the sky; the people of the lower level will look at those of the higher level as you look at the stars in the sky at night. [بخاری، کتاب الرقاق۔ باب صفۃ الجنۃ والنار]
