Surah Al-Muminoon (23) — Ayah 96
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 The best way to respond to evil is that evil should be answered with goodness, oppression with justice, betrayal with honesty, lies with truth, severing of ties with maintaining relations, and abuse with prayer and greetings. Elsewhere, Allah Almighty has stated the result of acting in this way: «اِدْفَعْ بِالَّتِيْ هِيَ اَحْسَنُ فَاِذَا الَّذِيْ بَيْنَكَ وَ بَيْنَهٗ عَدَاوَةٌ كَاَنَّهٗ وَلِيٌّ حَمِيْمٌ » [ حٰمٓ السجدۃ : ۳۴ ] “Repel (evil) with that (conduct) which is best; then suddenly the one between whom and you there was enmity will become as though he were a devoted friend.” In this, forgiveness and overlooking are taught, because this is the best way to live together with people. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates: [ وَاللّٰهِ! مَا انْتَقَمَ لِنَفْسِهِ فِيْ شَيْءٍ يُؤْتَی إِلَيْهِ قَطُّ حَتّٰی تُنْتَهَكَ حُرُمَاتُ اللّٰهِ فَيَنْتَقِمُ لِلّٰهِ ] [ بخاري، الحدود، باب إقامۃ الحدود والانتقام لحرمات اللہ : ۶۷۸۶ ] “By Allah! The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) never took revenge for any wrong done to himself, except when the sanctities of Allah were violated, then he would take revenge for the sake of Allah.”
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.
[93] That is, although We have the power to make them taste the punishment We have promised them even during your lifetime, yet that time has not come. For now, the best strategy for you is to respond to the bad behavior and unpleasant, bitter words of these polytheists with goodness. There are still many among them for whom guidance has been destined. In terms of the context, this is the meaning intended here as explained above. However, for the caller to truth, this is an extremely valuable principle, and its result is always pleasant. The Quran has stated this same principle at another place as follows: Respond to evil with that which is better; thus, your enemy will become your close friend. [41: 34]
Furthermore, this sentence is a universal truth, the pleasant effects of which every person, in every situation and every era, has experienced and can continue to benefit from. It should also be remembered that although this principle is as beneficial as it is, acting upon it is equally difficult. It is not something everyone can do; only a person of determination can act upon it.
