Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 247
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 {قَالُوْۤا اَنّٰى يَكُوْنُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ عَلَيْنَا :} The leaders raised two objections to the appointment of Talut as king: first, that they had more right to kingship than him, because leadership had been running in their family; second, that Talut was not a wealthy person. If we look at it, even today, these are the two standards for becoming a leader in the world: either he should be from a leading family or be wealthy. The prophet refuted both points and told them that, firstly, Talut has been chosen by Allah by granting him superiority over you, so you have no right to object to Allah’s selection. Secondly, for rulership, it is necessary to have knowledge and physical strength rather than family or wealth, and Talut possesses both of these more than all of you. Thirdly, Allah is not bound by anyone’s will in granting kingship; He gives sovereignty to whomever He wills.
➌ From these verses, it is understood that monarchy in itself is not a bad thing; if a king follows the commands of Allah and His Messenger, then he is not to be rejected merely for being a king. You may also call him a caliph, as the word caliph has also been used for Dawud (peace be upon him), as He said: «اِنَّا جَعَلْنٰكَ خَلِيْفَةً فِي الْاَرْضِ» [ صٓ:۲۶ ] “Indeed, We have made you a caliph on the earth.” And also: «وَ اٰتٰىهُ اللّٰهُ الْمُلْكَ» [ البقرۃ : ۲۵۱ ] “And Allah gave him kingship.” In this sense, after Talut, he was also a malik (king).
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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Essential Qualities of a Ruler:
Thus, at the demand of the Children of Israel, Allah Almighty appointed Talut as their king, who was a thirty-year-old young man, handsome and tall in stature. Many people objected to this, saying, "Talut has neither wealth nor royal grandeur; how can he be our king? We are better and more deserving of kingship than him." Allah Almighty answered this by saying that wealth is not required for leadership, rather, mental and physical abilities are needed, and these are present in Talut and to a much greater extent than in you. Therefore, you should refrain from such pointless arguments.
