Surah Al-Ahzaab (33) — Ayah 20
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.
20-2. That is, supposing that the groups of disbelievers return again with the intention of fighting, the desire of the hypocrites would be that instead of staying inside the city of Madinah, they would be outside in the desert with the Bedouins, and there they would keep asking people about you: whether Muhammad ﷺ and his companions have been destroyed or not? Or whether the army of the disbelievers was successful or unsuccessful?
20-3. Merely out of fear of disgrace or due to communal pride. In this, there is a severe warning for those people who avoid jihad or lag behind from it.
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 Height of the Cowardice of the Hypocrites:
They are so cowardly and fearful that even though the allied armies have long since retreated, they still cannot believe that the enemy has gone, and it is possible that the hypocrites think that the Muslims have spread such news as propaganda. They are also worried that if the enemy has left due to bad weather, then when the weather improves, they might attack again. In this situation, they think how good it would have been if they were not residents of Madinah but rather lived in some village, where there would be no danger of enemy attack, so they would not have to face such worries. They would just inquire about the Muslims’ situation from here and there, or some news about them would reach them. And if the circumstances seemed promising and the Muslims’ victory appeared certain, then they too would join the battle to get a share of the spoils of war.
