Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 190
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 Some commentators have said that in this verse, the command is only to fight those disbelievers who themselves initiate fighting. The meaning they have taken of { ”وَ لَا تَعْتَدُوْا“ } (do not transgress) is that you should not initiate fighting. Then these commentators have considered it abrogated by those verses in which there is a command to fight all disbelievers, whether they initiate or not, for example: «وَ قَاتِلُوا الْمُشْرِكِيْنَ كَآفَّةً » [ التوبۃ : ۳۶ ] "And fight the polytheists in all circumstances." And He said: «قَاتِلُوا الَّذِيْنَ يَلُوْنَكُمْ مِّنَ الْكُفَّارِ» [ التوبۃ : ۱۲۳ ] "Fight those who are near to you among the disbelievers." And He said: «قَاتِلُوا الَّذِيْنَ لَا يُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاللّٰهِ وَ لَا بِالْيَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ» [ التوبۃ : ۲۹ ] "Fight those who do not believe in Allah nor in the Last Day." But in reality, this verse is neither against the other verses, nor is it abrogated, nor does {”لَا تَعْتَدُوْا“} mean that you should not initiate fighting. Rather, in this, the Muslims are encouraged that when they do not refrain from fighting, then you also fight them, and from whichever places they have expelled you, you also expel them from there. (Ibn Kathir) And the meaning of {”لَا تَعْتَدُوْا“} has been explained by Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) and Umar bin Abdul Aziz (may Allah have mercy on him) that do not kill children and women, nor the elderly, nor the one who offers peace and refrains from fighting. If you do so, then you will be transgressing. (Ibn Kathir) It is narrated from Buraidah (may Allah be pleased with him) that when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) appointed someone as the commander of an army, he would advise him and the rest of the believers: "Fight in the way of Allah, in the name of Allah, fight those who disbelieve in Allah. Fight, do not be treacherous, do not break covenants, do not mutilate, do not kill children, nor monks, nor hermits." [ مسلم، الجہاد، باب تأمیر الإمام الأمراء علی البعوث… : ۱۷۳۱ ] Imam Tabari said: "This is the correct meaning, because those who claim abrogation have no evidence, and anyone can make a claim without evidence." It is clear that after this offer, "Accept Islam, or pay Jizyah, or prepare for battle," if someone does not fight, rather accepts Islam, or is ready to pay Jizyah, then fighting him is transgression, and Allah does not like those who transgress.
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.
[250] Permission for Defensive War: In Makkah, Muslims were continuously instructed to be patient in the face of the oppression and cruelty of their opponents. After migrating to Madinah, when a small Islamic state was established, Muslims were granted permission to fight, and the first verse revealed in this regard was this verse from Surah Al-Hajj:
﴿اُذِنَ لِلَّذِيْنَ يُقٰتَلُوْنَ بِاَنَّهُمْ ظُلِمُوْا وَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَليٰ نَصْرِهِمْ لَقَدِيْرُ﴾ [39: 22]
“Permission (to fight) is given to those against whom war is being waged, because they have been wronged, and Allah is surely able to help them.” However, it was also emphasized that you should only fight those who fight you, because you have no material interest attached to war, and from this verse, permission for defensive war was granted.
[251]
Etiquettes of War:
That is, do not fight those who do not hinder the path of the true religion, nor should you use ignorant methods in battle, meaning do not attack women, the elderly, children, and the wounded. Do not mutilate the bodies of the enemy, and do not unnecessarily destroy crops and livestock, etc., all of which are prohibited in the hadiths. In other words, use force only where it is needed and only as much as is needed.
