Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 276
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.
The reason for this is that Allah does not grant goodness and blessing in wealth gained through interest; thus, the world curses the usurer and in the Hereafter he will receive a punishment that no other criminal will receive. In contrast, Allah increases charity and there is goodness and blessing in it. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever gives charity from pure earnings, even if it is a single date, and Allah accepts only pure wealth, then Allah accepts it with His right hand, then nurtures it for the giver just as one of you raises his foal, until that charity (having grown) becomes like a mountain.” [بخاری، الزکاۃ، باب الصدقۃ من کسب طیب : ۱۴۱۰۔ مسلم : ۱۰۱۴، عن أبی ہریرۃ رضی اللہ عنہ ]
➋ { كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ اَثِيْمٍ:} That is, being wealthy yet not giving a loan to the needy unless interest is charged, this is severe ingratitude for the blessing. (Mawaddih)
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.
[395] Although apparently it seems that taking interest increases wealth and giving charity decreases it, in reality, the opposite is true. One aspect of this is that there is no blessing in wealth gained through interest, and it becomes a case of “wealth acquired unlawfully departs unlawfully.” On the other hand, when one gives charity, Allah Almighty grants him a substitute from such a place that he himself could not have imagined, and this is a reality that has been experienced by many people repeatedly. Nevertheless, this can also be proven through rational arguments. The second aspect can be proven from the perspective of economics, and that is: in a society where the system of charity is prevalent, the purchasing power of the poor class (which is generally the majority in every society) increases, and the circulation of wealth becomes much faster, resulting in prosperity and the development of the national economy. In contrast, in a society where interest is prevalent, the purchasing power of the poor class decreases, and the wealth is drawn by interest towards the rich class, whose numbers are few, causing the circulation of wealth to become extremely slow. This leads to recurring economic crises, increases the class divide between rich and poor, and sometimes the poor, out of frustration, begin to rob and kill the rich. A constant atmosphere of tension prevails between master and laborer, rich and poor, which can result in many kinds of disastrous consequences.
[396] Here, the ungrateful person refers to the usurer who possesses more money than his needs. He is not willing to help his needy brother, nor does he want to give him charity or a goodly loan; rather, he wants to extract from him, through interest, the hard-earned wages of his labor. Whereas this surplus money was merely Allah’s favor upon him, and by giving charity or a loan, he should have shown gratitude for Allah’s favor. But instead, by putting the surplus money on interest, he showed extreme ingratitude for Allah’s favor. Therefore, what could be a greater wrongdoing and sin than this?
