Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 248
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.
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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What Was the Tabut-e-Sakina?
This chest was called the "Ark of the Covenant" by the Children of Israel, in which the relics of the family of Musa and Harun were kept. For example, the stone tablets which Allah Almighty had granted to Hazrat Musa ؑ on Mount Tur, and the original copy of the Torah which Musa ؑ himself had dictated, and the manna in a bottle which used to descend upon the Children of Israel. Also, it contained the staff of Musa which would turn into a serpent. These were items of tranquility for the Children of Israel, which were preserved in this chest, and it always remained with them. Whenever they went to war against an enemy, they would place this chest in front and pray for victory and help through its means. On one occasion, during a battle, the polytheist king Jalut overpowered them and snatched this chest from them, and those people took it away with them. The loss of this chest was considered by the Children of Israel as a sign of misfortune and adversity, and its presence was regarded as a sign of victory and help.
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The Arrival of the Tabut-e-Sakina to Talut:
Allah Almighty informed the Children of Israel that if, during the reign of Talut, the lost chest was returned to them, then they should understand that Talut was indeed appointed as king by Allah Almighty. Thus, what happened was that plagues broke out in the city of those polytheists who had seized it. They probably considered this chest to be a sign of their misfortune and placed it on an ox cart and drove it away. Consequently, the angels drove that ox cart and brought it to the Children of Israel and left it in front of Talut's house. In this way, on one hand, the argument was completed against the Children of Israel by Allah Almighty, and on the other hand, the morale of the Children of Israel was raised, and they accepted Talut as their king.
