Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 17
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 How are the hypocrites likened to the person who kindled a blazing fire, then his fire was extinguished and Allah took away their light? The answer is that there are two reasons: The first is that these people first believed, so with the light of faith everything became clear for them, then they fell into hypocrisy, so that light was extinguished and they wandered in many darknesses of disbelief, hypocrisy, doubts, and suspicions. This meaning is supported by this verse: «{ ذٰلِكَ بِاَنَّهُمْ اٰمَنُوْا ثُمَّ كَفَرُوْا فَطُبِعَ عَلٰى قُلُوْبِهِمْ }» [ المنافقون : ۳ ] "This is because they believed, then they disbelieved, so their hearts were sealed."
The second reason for the analogy is that due to believing, they attained the honor of Muslims in this world, maintained relationships with Muslims, became heirs to one another, received spoils of war and countless other benefits, but when they died, Allah took away that honor from them, just as the light was taken away from the one with the fire, and left them in many darknesses (i.e., the grave, the Day of Resurrection, and the torment of Hell). (Tabari from Ibn Abbas with a Hasan chain)
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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The Example of the Hypocrites (1):
In this verse, Allah Almighty has described the condition of the hypocrites. The one who kindles the fire here is none other than the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, who illuminated the lamp of Islam in the darkness of disbelief and misguidance, and clearly distinguished truth from falsehood, right from wrong, and the straight path from the paths of deviation. Now, those people (the true believers) who possessed insightful vision began to see everything clearly. But these hypocrites, who had become blind due to their self-interest, could not see anything even in this light. Allah Almighty has described their remaining blind in this way with the verse ﴿ ذَهَبَ اللّٰهُ بِنُوْرِهِمْ ﴾, and its attribution to Allah is just like in verse ﴿خَتَمَ اللّٰهُ عَليٰ قُلُوْبِهِمْ وَعَليٰ سَمْعِهِمْ﴾, which we have already explained. The meaning is that since the hypocrites themselves were not willing to see the light of truth, Allah also left them wandering in darkness. Allah's law is never to force anyone to accept guidance; rather, His law is that wherever a person chooses to go, Allah helps him to proceed in that direction.
