Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 54
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.
Tabari has narrated from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that Musa (peace be upon him), by Allah's command, ordered his people to kill themselves, so those who had become devotees of the calf sat down with their necks exposed, and those who had not become devotees stood up and took daggers in their hands. A severe darkness descended upon them, and they began to kill each other. Then the darkness was lifted, and when light appeared, seventy thousand had been killed. The repentance of the one who was killed was also accepted, and the repentance of the one who survived was also accepted. The author of "Al-Tafsir Al-Sahih" states that the chain of narration up to Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) is Sahih, but it is apparent that this is taken from the People of the Book, regarding whom the ruling is that neither affirm them nor deny them. The forgiveness mentioned above in Ayah (52) is after this killing.
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.
[70]
The Calf-Worship of the Children of Israel:
After the drowning of Pharaoh, when the Children of Israel reached the Sinai Peninsula, Allah Almighty summoned Musa (Moses) ؑ to Mount Tur for forty nights so that practical guidance and commandments could be given to this newly freed nation (the Children of Israel). After Musa ؑ departed, this nation began to worship the calf. Calf-worship was a common practice in Egypt. After the time of Yusuf (Joseph) ؑ, the Children of Israel fell into decline and gradually became slaves of the Copts (Pharaoh's people). They considered it safer to adopt their way of life, and among other vile diseases, they also adopted calf-worship. Even after being saved from Pharaoh, the germs of calf-worship had not yet been eradicated from them. [70۔ الف]
The Massacre of the Calf-Worshippers:
When Musa ؑ returned from Mount Tur with the Torah, he learned of the calf-worship of the Children of Israel and was deeply grieved by this. He told the people that now the punishment for this injustice is that all those who worshipped the calf should be killed one by one. At that time, the Children of Israel were divided into three groups. One group was those who had worshipped the calf. The second group was those who forbade them from calf-worship. The third group remained neutral; they neither worshipped the calf themselves nor forbade those who did. The command was given that those who forbade should kill the calf-worshippers, and those who remained neutral were to be forgiven.
