Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 159
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 {”الْكِتٰبِ“} is meant here the Torah, and by {’’ لِلنَّاسِ ‘‘} is meant specific people, that is, the scholars of the Jews, meaning that after the clear glad tidings and attributes of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) were mentioned in the Torah and the Gospel for the Jewish scholars, those among them who concealed it and denied it are cursed. Although this verse was revealed about the Jews, the wording of the verse is general; it also includes those Muslim scholars who, despite knowing the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith, conceal them and present the views of their sect as religion. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [مَن سُئِلَ عَنْ عِلْمٍ عَلِمَہٗ ثُمَّ کَتَمَہُ اُلْجِمَ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَۃِ بِلِجَامٍ مِّنْ نَّارٍ ] “Whoever is asked about knowledge which he knows, and then conceals it, a bridle of fire will be put on him on the Day of Resurrection.” [ ترمذی، العلم، باب ما جاء فی کتمان العلم : ۲۶۴۹۔ أحمد : 263/2، ح : ۷۵۸۸۔أبو داوٗد : ۳۶۵۸، عن أبی ہریرۃ رضی اللہ عنہ و صححہ الألبانی]
➌ If a misunderstanding arises from a certain issue and there is fear of mischief and corruption among the public, then it should not be presented before the public, because here the intention is not to conceal the truth, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) from conveying the glad tidings of {’’ لاَ اِلٰهَ اِلاَّ اللّٰهُ ‘‘} in Paradise to the general people. [ مسلم، الإیمان، باب الدلیل علی أن من … : ۳۱] And Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Convey to the people what they can understand. Do you want Allah and His Messenger to be denied?” [ بخاری، العلم، باب من خص بالعلم قومًا …، قبل ح : ۱۲۷] And Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “If you tell a people something their minds cannot grasp, it will surely become a trial for some of them.” [ مسلم، المقدمۃ، باب النہی عن الحدیث بکل ما سمع : ۱۴؍۵]
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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Concealing the Truth is a Major Sin:
The addressees here are those people who hold some religious status in society and are followed by others. For example, scholars, spiritual leaders, preachers, and authors, etc. If such individuals conceal the clear commands and guidance of Allah Almighty, then since the result of this appears in the form of widespread misguidance and corruption, these people are the worst kind of criminals who, in addition to the burden of their own sins, also bear the burden of the sins of their countless followers. Therefore, Allah curses them, as do the angels, humans, and both land and sea creatures—even the fish in the water. This is because, in the case of corruption on earth or divine punishment, other creatures besides humans are also affected. For example, the Jewish scholars who had confined the knowledge of the Torah to their own circle and, for instance, concealed the verse of stoning, and had prescribed a different punishment for adultery among the masses, or had deliberately spread among the people that Ibrahimؑ or Ishaqؑ, etc., were Jews, or had concealed the correct information about the Qiblah from the public, and so on. Thus, Abu Hurairahؓ says that people say Abu Hurairahؓ narrates many hadiths (whereas the real matter is that if these two verses were not in the Book of Allah [يهي آيت نمبر 159۔ 160], I would not narrate any hadith). (Bukhari, Kitab al-‘Ilm, Bab Hifz al-‘Ilm) And Anasؓ says that the Messenger of Allahﷺ called Mu‘adhؓ three times, then said: “Mu‘adh! Whoever sincerely testifies that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, Allah will make the Fire forbidden for him.” Mu‘adhؓ said: “Should I not inform the people so that they may rejoice?” He replied, “Then they will rely on it (so do not give such glad tidings).” Then Mu‘adhؓ, out of fear of sin at the time of his death, narrated this to the people. [بخاري، كتاب العلم، باب من خص بالعلم قومادون قوم]
