Surah An-Nisaa (4) — Ayah 139
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
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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.
139. 2. That is, honor is not attained through alliance and love with the disbelievers, because it is in Allah's control, and He grants honor only to His followers. In another place, it is further stated: whoever seeks honor should understand that all honor belongs to Allah, and to His Messenger ﷺ, and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know. That is, they seek to attain honor through hypocrisy and friendship with the disbelievers, whereas this method leads to humiliation and disgrace, not honor.
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.
[185]
The Example and Character of the Hypocrite Who Befriends Disbelievers:
From this verse, it is understood that taking disbelievers as friends or considering them as such, instead of the believers, is a clear sign of hypocrisy. These people, by associating with the disbelievers, wish to become accepted in their eyes. However, the result is quite the opposite; it becomes a case of "the washerman's dog, belonging neither to the house nor to the riverbank." Such hypocrites fall from the eyes of the Muslims and remain disgraced in the eyes of the disbelievers as well, losing trust everywhere. And the person who remains attached to only one group in all circumstances is, at the very least, considered trustworthy even in the eyes of the enemy. Accordingly, a hadith with this same meaning is also mentioned in Muslim. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The example of a hypocrite is like a sheep wandering between two flocks, sometimes joining one flock and sometimes the other."
[مسلم، کتاب صفۃ المنافقین و احکامھم]
It is also worth considering that hypocrites associate with disbelievers in order to become respected, accepted, and honored among them. But if Allah Himself disgraces those very disbelievers in whose company they seek honor, then from where will they attain honor?
