Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 24
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 { اُعِدَّتْ لِلْكٰفِرِيْنَ:} From this it is understood that Hell was originally created for the disbelievers; if any believer enters it, it will only be because of committing an act of disbelief, although he will not remain in it forever. It is also understood that Hell exists even now; this is the belief of all the Salaf, and its denial is the denial of clear verses and hadiths.
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.
2. By "stone" is meant, according to Ibn Abbas, the filthy stones, and according to some scholars, those stone idols will also be the fuel of Hell which people used to worship in the world, as is also mentioned in the Noble Quran. (اِنَّكُمْ وَمَا تَعْبُدُوْنَ مِنْ دُوْنِ اللّٰهِ حَصَبُ جَهَنَّمَ ۭ اَنْتُمْ لَهَا وٰرِدُوْنَ) 21:98 You and those whom you worship will be the fuel of Hell.
3. From this, firstly, it is understood that Hell was originally prepared for the disbelievers and polytheists, and secondly, it is known that Paradise and Hell exist and their existence is established even at this time; this is the belief of the early generations of the Ummah. These are not metaphorical things, as some modernists and deniers of hadith try to make people believe.
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.
[28] What will be the fuel of Hell? Allah Almighty already knew that presenting such speech is beyond human capability, and the five times that the disbelievers have been challenged in the Quran is to establish proof against them, so that if anyone persists in disbelief after these clear arguments, he should fear the punishment of that Hell whose fuel will not only be humans but also mineral stones (such as coal, sulfur, etc.), which intensify the heat of the fire many times over. Some scholars have said that in this verse, "stones" refers to those stone idols that were worshipped, and this view is also supported by this verse:
﴿ اِنَّكُمْ وَمَا تَعْبُدُوْنَ مِنْ دُوْنِ اللّٰهِ حَصَبُ جَهَنَّمَ﴾ [ 98: 21]
"You and those whom you worship besides Allah will all be fuel for Hell."
So that the disbelievers may realize the reality of the divinity of their deities and their regret may increase even more. [28۔ الف]
The Literal Meaning of Taqwa:
The meaning of Ittaqā or Taqwa is to fear the consequences of one's actions. And in its root "wa-qa-ya" three things are fundamentally found:
(1) To fear. (2) To avoid. (3) To abstain. Thus, the meaning of Taqwa is to protect oneself from anything from which there is a risk of harm, and in the Shari'ah terminology, Taqwa is to protect oneself from anything that leads to sin. And this is achieved by abstaining from those matters which the Shari'ah has prohibited. Then, the concept of Taqwa is not limited only to refraining from prohibitions, but also includes the fulfillment of commands, because just as committing acts of indecency is a sin, so too is neglecting acts like prayer or fasting. And the fundamental purpose of all acts of worship is to create Taqwa within a person, meaning that before doing anything, he considers its outcome and, keeping that outcome in mind, either chooses to do it or abstain from it. And since the One who brings about the outcome is Allah Almighty, therefore, in the concept of Taqwa, along with fearing and avoiding the consequences of sins, fearing Allah and always being mindful of Him is automatically included.
[29] From this it is understood that Hell has already been brought into existence (and likewise Paradise), and this is the belief of Ahl al-Sunnah. Whereas some people hold the view that Paradise and Hell will be prepared at the time of reward and punishment for deeds in the Hereafter.
