Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 4
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 {وَ مَاۤ اُنْزِلَ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ:} That is, they believe in divine revelation, whether it was sent down to any prophet. Those who do not accept the revelation descending upon any prophet, for them there is no guidance in the Qur’an. However, now action will be upon what the last Prophet (peace be upon him) brought, because Allah Himself has taken the responsibility for its preservation. [دیکھیے الحجر : ۹ ] Whereas the previous books do not exist in their original state.
➌ {وَ بِالْاٰخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوْقِنُوْنَ:} The word “Akhirah” (Hereafter) is formed by adding a “taa” to “akhir” (last) in contrast to “awwal” (first). The life after the worldly life—certainty in it alone can motivate a person to do good deeds and avoid evil deeds, therefore it is a fundamental part of faith. { ’’ هُمْ ‘‘ } With the pronoun, exclusivity is created, meaning those who truly believe in the Hereafter are the people of Islam. The beliefs of other people are in reality based on superstitions and myths, for example, the claim of Jews and Christians that only they will enter Paradise and even if they enter the Fire, it will be for a few days. Similarly, the belief of Hindus in reincarnation is that after death, the soul of the righteous is transferred into a better living being and the soul of the wicked is transferred into a bad animal, such as a dog or a rat, etc.
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.
[7] By "that which has been sent down" is meant not only the Quran itself, but also its explanation (clarification and elaboration), which is not present in the Quran, such as the method of performing prayer, the items subject to zakat, the nisab of zakat, and the determination of the rate of zakat, etc.—countless such commands and instructions which were necessary for acting upon the Quranic injunctions. Also, they believe in the revelation sent down to the previous prophets. The only difference between the two is that it is necessary to believe in detail in the revelation sent down to you, and to believe in summary in the revelation of the previous prophets, because according to the explicit statements of the Quran, their books have been altered and changed. This is the fourth condition.
[8] The Meaning of the Hereafter and the Importance of the Belief in the Hereafter
The word "Akhirah" (Hereafter) is a comprehensive term that includes various beliefs, such as:
(1) A person's life does not end completely upon death. Rather, after dying, he will be resurrected and raised up again. Then his deeds will be accounted for, therefore, he was not created to live an irresponsible life in this world, but is answerable to Allah for all his actions.
(2) The present system of the universe is not eternal, but a time will come when all of this will perish. Then Allah Almighty will create another world, in which all deceased humans will be recreated and gathered together, and each individual will be held accountable for his deeds.
(3) According to this judgment, those who are declared successful will enter Paradise, and the disobedient, disbelievers, polytheists, etc., will be cast into Hell.
The details of the Day of the Hereafter are innumerable, which cannot be listed here. In short, belief in the Hereafter is such an important part of belief in the unseen that it compels a person to change the course of his life, to come to the straight path, and to adopt piety. That is why, after belief in the unseen, it has also been mentioned separately. This "belief in the Hereafter" is the fifth condition for accepting guidance.
