Surah Al-Qasas (28) — Ayah 55
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 قَالُوْا لَنَاۤ اَعْمَالُنَا وَ لَكُمْ اَعْمَالُكُمْ :} That is, when any ignorant person does something foolish or says something inappropriate, they do not respond in kind, but rather say, "For us are our deeds and for you are your deeds. If you act ignorantly, we will remain patient." See also Surah Ash-Shura (15) and Saba (25, 26).
➌ { سَلٰمٌ عَلَيْكُمْ:} Elsewhere He said: «{ وَ اِذَا خَاطَبَهُمُ الْجٰهِلُوْنَ قَالُوْا سَلٰمًا }» [ الفرقان : ۶۳ ] "And when the ignorant address them, they say: Peace." The "peace" to the ignorant is not a greeting of love and supplication, but a farewell and a sign of severing ties. Some scholars have said that "peace" among the believers is a supplication for one another, and to the ignorant, it is a sign of bearing their ignorance.
➍ From this it is understood that if it is not expected that an ignorant person will understand by explanation, then it is better to keep away from him.
➎ { لَا نَبْتَغِي الْجٰهِلِيْنَ :} That is, we do not desire the ignorant for friendship or company, nor do we want them for rivalry in ignorance, abuse, or quarrels, but rather we keep away from them by saying peace from a distance. This is said in the heart, because saying it aloud may unnecessarily cause a dispute.
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.
55-2 This سلام is not a greeting of peace, but rather a سلام of separation, meaning: we are not even willing to argue or converse with ignorant people like you. Just as in Urdu it is also said, "Salam from afar to the ignorant." Obviously, by سلام is meant to cease conversation and interaction altogether.
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.
[75]
The Newly Converted Christians Who Avoid Idle Talk, and Abu Jahl:
The third quality of such Muslims is that not only do they not participate in idle deeds or vain talk, but they also keep away from such actions. And if they happen to encounter such people, they do not engage with them; rather, they pass by saying salam, by which they intend to express their aversion to such actions. In several books of Seerah, this incident is mentioned that after the migration to Abyssinia, when the people of Abyssinia became acquainted with Islam and its message, twenty people from there, who were Christians, came to Makkah for the purpose of investigating what kind of person the Prophet of Islam was. When they met you and the conversation began, you recited the Quran to them, which affected them so much that tears flowed from their eyes and they affirmed and supported you in a very forceful manner. When, after embracing Islam, they were about to return to Abyssinia, Abu Jahl and his companions taunted them, saying that no one had ever seen a caravan of such fools, who came to investigate a person and are now leaving as his slaves, abandoning their own religion. In reply, they said: "Peace be upon you from our side; we do not wish to respond to your ignorance with ignorance. Whatever state each of us is in, that is his share. We have not been negligent in seeking our own good." It was regarding this that these verses were revealed. [البدايه والنهايه ج 3 ص 82]
Incidentally, from this verse it is also understood that if it is not expected that a person will accept guidance, and rather there is a risk that he will react negatively, then it is better to avoid such a person instead of trying to explain to him.
