Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 220
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 { ”الْيَتٰمٰى“ } Whoever's father has died is an orphan until he reaches maturity. The meaning of { ”لَاَعْنَتَكُمْ“ ”عَنَتٌ“ } is hardship, as in Surah Tawbah (9:128): "عَزِيْزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ" — "It is very hard on him that you fall into hardship." {”اَعْنَتَ“} is the past tense in the active voice from the form IV verb, and {’’ اِعْنَاتٌ‘‘} is its verbal noun, meaning to put a person into such hardship in which there is a danger of destruction. (Raghib)
➌ Because of the tanween in {اِصْلَاحٌ لَّهُمْ خَيْرٌ :} {”اِصْلَاحٌ“}, it has been translated as "keep improving them in some way or another," meaning, along with protecting their wealth, you should continue to improve their education, character, health, and all matters as much as you are able, which is much better than not questioning them considering them orphans.
➍ {وَ اِنْ تُخَالِطُوْهُمْ:} Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: "When this verse was revealed: «وَ لَا تَقْرَبُوْا مَالَ الْيَتِيْمِ اِلَّا بِالَّتِيْ هِيَ اَحْسَنُ » [ بنی إسرائیل : ۳۴ ] 'And do not go near the orphan's wealth except in the best manner,' people separated the orphans' wealth, so the orphans' food spoiled and the meat became foul." This matter was mentioned to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and upon this, this verse was revealed, so people included them with themselves. [ مسند أحمد : 325/1، ح : ۳۰۰۴۔ مستدرک حاکم : 306/2، ح :۳۱۰۳، صححہ الحاکم و وافقہ الذھبی و حسنہ الألبانی ]
➎ {وَ لَوْ شَآءَ اللّٰهُ لَاَعْنَتَكُمْ:} But Allah Almighty has not placed hardship upon you, rather He has created ease and spaciousness. Thus, with the intention of reform, you may include them with yourselves, and if you are in need, you may benefit from their wealth to the extent of your service and need, as He said: «وَ مَنْ كَانَ غَنِيًّا فَلْيَسْتَعْفِفْ وَ مَنْ كَانَ فَقِيْرًا فَلْيَاْكُلْ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ» [ النساء : ۶ ] "And whoever is rich, let him abstain, and whoever is poor, let him eat in a reasonable manner."
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.
220. 2. That is, He would not have allowed you to mix their wealth with your own even for the purpose of reform and improvement.
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 Upbringing and Well-Wishing of Orphans:
Before this, two commands regarding orphans had already been revealed. One is: "Do not even go near the wealth of orphans." [6: 152] And the second is: "Those who consume the wealth of orphans, they are only filling their bellies with fire." [4: 10] Therefore, Muslims became extremely cautious regarding orphans and completely separated their wealth from their own, so that only from that would their food, drink, and other necessities be fulfilled. However, even in this way, sometimes the orphans would suffer loss. For example, if food was cooked for them, whatever was left over would be wasted. Regarding such situations, a question was asked to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. In response, Allah Almighty said that the real objective is the reform and welfare of the orphans, and whichever way that can be achieved, you may adopt it. If you consider it appropriate to mix their wealth with your own, then there is no harm in that either, after all, they are your brothers. That is, you may mix their wealth, or keep it separate, or mix some of it and in some cases keep it separate; every situation is permissible. Provided that your own intention is good and the real objective is the welfare of the orphan, and Allah knows this well. And if Allah Almighty had willed, He could have imposed various restrictions and made things difficult for you. It is His wisdom and mercy that He has allowed you every kind of situation.
