Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 28
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.
[36]
The Four Stages of Life and Death:
In this verse, four states that befall a human are mentioned: first death, then life, then death, then life. The union of soul and body is called life, and their separation is called death. The first state is death, meaning that the souls of all humans had already been created, but bodies were granted at their appointed times; during this period, the Covenant of Alast was taken. The second state is from a person's birth until his death, during which he has the choice to perform good or bad deeds. The third state is from death until resurrection, and the fourth and final state is the endless life after being resurrected (Hashr). It should be remembered that even in those states described as death, there remains some trace of life. However, since the dominant effects are those of death, they are referred to as death. For the Covenant of Alast was taken during the first death, and in the second death, a person faces the punishment of the grave, and in this world, this state is explained through sleep. Because in the state of sleep, most of the effects of death are dominant over a person. Nevertheless, in the world of dreams, he walks, eats, drinks, and does various things, and in hadith, sleep or dreaming is called the sister of death, not of life. Also, this supplication has been taught at the time of sleeping: «اللهم باسمك أموت وأحييٰ». Furthermore, from the clear statements of the Quran, it is also evident that death is not a negative thing but a positive one. In fact, Allah Almighty created death first and life afterwards, as is stated by Allah the Exalted:
﴿ الَّذِيْ خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيٰوةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ اَيُّكُمْ اَحْسَنُ عَمَلاً﴾ [2: 67]
"It is He who created death and life so that He may test you as to which of you is best in deeds." And in the verse under study, the attention of man is drawn to the fact that the Being who has such vast power over your very existence—how can you deny Him?
