Surah Saad (38) — 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 The meaning of { ’’ الْمُتَكَلِّفِيْنَ ‘‘} is also understood from this statement of Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him), which Imam Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him) has narrated in the commentary of this surah. Masruq says, Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) came to us and said: [ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ! مَنْ عَلِمَ شَيْئًا فَلْيَقُلْ بِهِ، وَ مَنْ لَّمْ يَعْلَمْ فَلْيَقُلِ اللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ، فَإِنَّ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ أَنْ يَّقُوْلَ لِمَا لَا يَعْلَمُ اللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ، قَالَ اللّٰهُ عَزَّوَجَلَّ لِنَبِيِّهِ صَلَّی اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : « قُلْ مَاۤ اَسْـَٔلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ اَجْرٍ وَّ مَاۤ اَنَا مِنَ الْمُتَكَلِّفِيْنَ » ] [ بخاري، التفسیر، باب، قولہ : « وما أنا من المتکلفین » : ۴۸۰۹ ] "O people! Whoever knows something should state it, and whoever does not know should say 'Allah knows best,' for it is also part of knowledge that if one does not know something, he should say 'Allah knows best.' Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, said to His Prophet (ﷺ): « قُلْ مَاۤ اَسْـَٔلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ اَجْرٍ وَّ مَاۤ اَنَا مِنَ الْمُتَكَلِّفِيْنَ» 'Say: I do not ask you for any reward for this, nor am I among those who fabricate.'"
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.
86. 2. That is, it is not as if I would fabricate something from myself and attribute it to Allah which He has not said, or I would invite you to something for which Allah has not given me a command. Rather, without any addition or omission, I am conveying Allah’s commands to you.
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.
[76] That is, I am conveying Allah’s message to you with complete sincerity. I neither seek any reward from you nor do I have any personal interest attached to it, nor am I among those who rise up with false claims to establish their own greatness. And my entire previous life, which you know well, bears witness to this.
Admitting Ignorance Is Also a Sign of Knowledge:
The meaning of the word ﴿متكلّفين﴾ is also clarified by the following hadith: Masruq says that we went to Abdullah bin Mas’ud ؓ. He said: O people! Whoever knows something should state it, and if he does not know, he should say, “Allah knows best,” because saying so is also a sign of perfect knowledge. Allah, the Exalted, said to His Prophet ﷺ: “I do not ask you for any reward for this (conveyance), nor am I among those who fabricate things from their own hearts.” [بخاري۔ كتاب التفسير]
