Surah Aal-i-Imraan (3) — Ayah 86
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 Hasan Basri (may Allah have mercy on him) has given the best explanation of this with another verse, that by this are meant the People of the Book. They used to find Muhammad (peace be upon him) in their books, and used to pray for victory through him at his coming (as if they believed in him). When he came, they chose to disbelieve in him, as Allah said: « كَانُوْا مِنْ قَبْلُ يَسْتَفْتِحُوْنَ عَلَى الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُمْ مَّا عَرَفُوْا كَفَرُوْا بِهٖ فَلَعْنَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَى الْكٰفِرِيْنَ» [البقرۃ : ۸۹ ] “Although before this they used to pray for victory over those who disbelieved, but when there came to them that which they recognized, they disbelieved in it; so the curse of Allah is on the disbelievers.” (Tabari with a Hasan chain)
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.
[75۔ 1]
The Blind Prejudice of the People of the Book:
The addressees of this verse are the stubborn and prejudiced type of People of the Book, whether they are Jews or Christians. Both groups were awaiting the coming Prophet, because the glad tidings of the Last Prophet were present in both the Torah and the Gospel. But when that Messenger was sent, these people refused to believe in him. The reason was that the Jews thought he would support their religion, and the Christians assumed he would side with them against the Jews. But when their wishes were not fulfilled, they rejected him. Then, among these Jews and Christians, there were some who openly testified that this is indeed the Messenger testimony about whom is present in our books, and they also believed. Even this had no effect on the prejudiced people. Then, in the Last Prophet, they saw many such signs that were more than sufficient for their satisfaction. Among these signs were some historical questions which the scholars of the People of the Book believed that no one except them knew the answers to. Then, when they asked you those questions as a test, you gave them complete and satisfactory answers, and this was not possible except through divine revelation. In addition, the Quran made some prophecies which were being fulfilled before their eyes or upon themselves. Even then, due to their prejudice, these people were not willing to believe. Allah Almighty has clarified in this verse that Allah never forcibly guides such stubborn people. Such compulsion is against His way.
