Surah Al-Baqara (2) — Ayah 65
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.
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The Fate of the People of the Sabbath:
The Children of Israel were commanded not to engage in business on the Sabbath, but rather to rest and worship Allah on that day. It is also clarified in the Torah that whoever violates the sanctity of this sacred day is liable to be killed. However, when a period of moral decline befell the Jews, they openly continued their business and trade on this day. In this regard, Surah Al-A'raf mentions a specific town that was situated by the sea, and the profession of its people was fishing. Coincidentally, for six days the fish would remain hidden in the water, but on the Sabbath, they would swim on the surface of the water with pride. Now, these fishermen devised a trick: they dug trenches along the shore. When water would enter these trenches, the fish would come along with it, and the next day these people would catch the fish. The people of this town were divided into three groups. One was the criminal group that caught fish using this trick. The second group was those who forbade them from this deceit. The third group neither caught fish themselves nor forbade those who did, and they would say to those who forbade, "Why do you admonish a people whom Allah is going to destroy or punish with a severe torment?" The admonishers would reply, "We admonish them so that we may present an excuse before our Lord, and perhaps they might desist." [7: 164]
Those Who Interpret "Becoming Apes":
Then, when the punishment descended upon this people, only the group that forbade was saved from the punishment. The silent ones and the criminals—both groups—were subjected to the punishment, and that punishment was: "Be you apes, despised and rejected." Now, the deniers of miracles and the naturalists say that the habits and characteristics of these people became like those of apes, but their forms were not transformed (i.e., they did not actually become apes). This interpretation is incorrect because, firstly, the apparent words of the Quran do not allow for this. Secondly, the subsequent verse refutes rather than confirms this interpretation. For if their forms had remained human, how could they have served as a lesson for the people of that time and for those who came after, and what lesson could the pious have taken from them? The reality is that they actually became apes, but their minds remained the same. They retained human understanding and consciousness. They recognized one another and would weep upon seeing each other, but they could not speak. Then, after three days, all of them died, and this incident occurred during the time of Sayyiduna Dawud ؑ. [نيز ديكهئے سورة اعراف آيت نمبر 164]
