Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 148
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 In this verse, it is being stated that although the qiblah of Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was the Ka'bah, later on everyone, according to their own desire, appointed some direction as their qiblah. Thus, the Jews made the rock of Bayt al-Maqdis their qiblah, and the Christians made the eastern side of Bayt al-Maqdis theirs. Now, for you, the Ka'bah has been appointed as the qiblah, so there is no particular benefit in arguing with these people about which direction is superior. The real thing is to excel in good deeds, take care of that, because wherever you may be, you will have to present yourselves before Allah, as He said: "Righteousness is not that you turn your faces towards the east or the west, but true righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets, and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask, and for freeing slaves; and who establishes prayer and gives zakah; those who fulfill their promise when they promise; and those who are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous." [ البقرۃ : ۱۷۷ ] Excelling in good deeds includes performing prayer on time, joining the first row with the first takbir, and likewise reaching the front lines in jihad.
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.
[185] That is, the real matter is not the direction, but rather the good deeds for which you perform prayer. Therefore, instead of getting involved in disputes about direction and location, you should focus on the real objective, which is the attainment of good deeds. And in this, you should strive to surpass one another, because on the Day of Judgment, it is these good deeds that will benefit you.
