Surah Al-Kahf (18) — Ayah 78
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.
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.
78. 2 But before parting, Hazrat Khidr considered it necessary to inform and make Musa (peace be upon him) aware of the reality of all three incidents, so that he would not remain under any misconception and would understand that the knowledge of prophethood is one thing, with which he was endowed, and the knowledge of certain important matters is another, which, under Allah's wisdom and will, was given to Hazrat Khidr. And according to that, he did such deeds which, from the perspective of the knowledge of Shariah, were not permissible, and that is why Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him) rightly could not remain silent about them. Due to the performance of these important matters, some scholars are of the opinion that Hazrat Khidr was not from among humans, and that is why they do not involve themselves in the discussion of his prophethood or messengership or the arguments for them, because all these positions are specific to humans. They say that he was an angel, but if Allah, by informing any of His prophets of certain important matters, has them carry out such deeds, then there is nothing impossible in that either. When the recipient of revelation himself clarifies that he did these deeds only by Allah's command, then even if they apparently seem contrary to Shariah, since they are related to important matters, the question of permissibility or impermissibility becomes unnecessary. Just as there are creative commands: someone falls ill, someone dies, someone's business is destroyed, punishment befalls nations—some of these deeds, at times, are carried out by angels by Allah's permission. So, just as these matters have never appeared contrary to Shariah to anyone until now, similarly, the incidents that occurred through Hazrat Khidr are also related to important matters, so weighing them on the scale of Shariah is itself incorrect. However, now that the chain of revelation and prophethood has ended, any person's claim of this kind will never be correct or acceptable, as has been narrated from Hazrat Khidr, because the matter of Hazrat Khidr is established by a Quranic verse, so there is no room for denial. But now, whoever makes such a claim or act, its rejection is necessary and obligatory, because now that certain source of knowledge does not exist by which the reality of his claim and action can be clarified.
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 Outward Appearance of Worldly Events is Different from Their Reality:
During the companionship of Sayyiduna Musa ؑ with Sayyiduna Khidr, the events that took place—Allah Ta'ala lifted the veil from His workshop of will and showed Sayyiduna Musa a glimpse of it, so that he might know how and under what wisdom everything that happens day and night in this world takes place, and how the outward appearance of events is different from their true reality. Because when an ordinary person sees that blessings from Allah are showering upon the oppressors and disobedient, while hardships and calamities are befalling the obedient servants of Allah, and the oppressors continue their oppression while the innocent receive their punishment, then from such events most people conclude that this world is a place of chaos. If Allah existed and He was just and fair, then why would such heart-wrenching events occur in the world? In these events, such circumstances have been unveiled. As for the matter of Allah's justice and fairness, although its manifestation does occur from time to time in this world, the true and appointed time for justice and fairness is the Day of Resurrection, and the establishment of the Day of Resurrection is necessary for this very reason.
