Surah Ash-Shu'araa (26) — Ayah 176
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.
Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “The authentic opinion is that the Companions of the Thicket are the people of Madyan themselves; both were advised to give full measure and weight. They were called the Companions of the Thicket because ‘the Thicket’ was a tree or a cluster of trees which they used to worship. When the mention was of Madyan (the city or the people), Shu‘ayb (peace be upon him) was called their brother, but when their association was made with tree worship, He said: «{ اِذْ قَالَ لَهُمْ شُعَيْبٌ }» ‘When Shu‘ayb said to them,’ meaning the bond of brotherhood was ended.”
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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Who Were the People of the Thicket (Ashab al-Aykah)?
There is considerable difference of opinion among the commentators regarding this. One view is that the People of the Thicket (Ashab al-Aykah) and the People of Madyan (Ashab Madyan) are two names for the same nation. Another view is that "Aykah" was the name of a tree which these people used to worship. Because of this association, they were called the People of the Thicket. A third view is that the settlement and area of these people was separate from the People of Madyan. The meaning of Ashab al-Aykah is "the people of the thicket," that is, this settlement was established on a long, elevated place where there were many clusters of gardens, and Shu'ayb ؑ was sent as a messenger to both these regions.
