Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 29
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 From this verse, it is understood that the earth was created before the heaven (i.e., the height, the vast space)s. This is also proven by verses 9 to 12 of Surah Ha Mim Sajdah, but in Surah Nazi‘at: { « وَ الْاَرْضَ بَعْدَ ذٰلِكَ دَحٰىهَا » } apparently contradicts this. For reconciliation, see Surah Nazi‘at (30).
➌ Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Here, in the context of {”اسْتَوٰٓى“}, the meaning of intending and turning attention is taken, because it is made transitive with {’’ اِلَى ‘‘ }.
➍ This verse is evidence that everything in the earth, as a whole, is for the benefit of mankind. This does not mean that everything on earth is lawful for every person; rather, this benefit must be taken under the commands of Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).
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.
29. 3. From this, firstly, it is known that the sky is a tangible existence and reality. Mere elevation has not been referred to as the sky. Secondly, it is known that their number is seven. And according to the Hadith, the distance between two heavens is fifty years’ journey. And regarding the earth, the Noble Quran says (وَّمِنَ الْاَرْضِ مِثْلَهُنَّ) 65:12 "and the earths are also like the heaven (i.e., the height, the vast space)s," from which it is also known that the number of earths is seven, which is further supported by the Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ: "Whoever unjustly takes a handspan of land from someone, Allah will make him wear the collar of all seven earths on the Day of Resurrection." From this verse, it is also known that the creation of the earth took place before the sky, but in Surah An-Nazi'at, after mentioning the sky, it is said: (وَالْاَرْضَ بَعْدَ ذٰلِكَ دَحٰىهَا) 79:30 "(He spread out the earth after that)." It has been analyzed that the creation was first of the earth, and "dahw" (to spread out and level) is something different from creation, which took place after the creation of the sky. (Fath al-Qadeer)
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.
[37] The following points are understood from this verse: The original ruling for everything is permissibility:
1. Since Allah Almighty has created all things on the earth for the sake of mankind, therefore, man is superior to all creatures (the noblest of creation).
2. And from this phrase or part of the verse, it is also concluded that since man has the right to benefit from everything on earth, therefore, the original ruling for everything is permissibility, and only that thing will be forbidden which has been explicitly clarified by the Shari'ah.
3. The creation of the earth took place before the creation of the seven heavens.
4. The heavens are not an imaginary thing, as some modern astronomers think, but are a concrete reality, and their number is seven.
