Surah An-Nisaa (4) — Ayah 164
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 رُسُلًا قَدْ قَصَصْنٰهُمْ عَلَيْكَ:} As for the number of those prophets and messengers whose names have not been mentioned in the Qur’an, Allah Almighty knows best. In one hadith, which is very famous, it is stated as one hundred and twenty-four thousand, and in another hadith, eight thousand, but there is discussion regarding these hadiths.
➌ {وَ كَلَّمَ اللّٰهُ مُوْسٰى تَكْلِيْمًا:} That is, Allah Almighty granted Musa (Moses) the honor of direct speech, which was not given to anyone else. See also Surah Al-Baqarah (2:253). Then, if this honor of Musa (Moses) does not become a cause of reproach for other prophets, how can the one-time revelation of the Torah be a cause of reproach for other prophets? (Razi)
➍ From this verse, it is also established that Allah speaks. Those who, being influenced by Greek philosophy, deny the speech of Allah Almighty—what answer will they give on the Day of Judgment to those verses and hadiths in which the speech of Allah Almighty is mentioned in clear words? These servants of Allah have made Allah, in their view, even more incapable than a human, i.e., mute, and consider this to be a virtue of Allah Almighty. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, may Allah have mercy on him, used to demand from such people to show anywhere in the Qur’an or hadith that the Qur’an is not the speech of Allah but rather a creation, but neither at that time could their opponents show this, nor can anyone show it now.
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.
164. 2 How many prophets and messengers whose names and incidents have not been mentioned in the Quran? Allah alone knows best. In one hadith, which is very famous, the number is stated as 124,000, and in another hadith, the number is stated as 8,000. From the Quran and hadith, it is only known that in different eras and circumstances, bringers of glad tidings and warners among the prophets kept coming. Ultimately, this chain of prophethood was ended with Muhammad ﷺ. How many prophets came before him? No one except Allah knows their exact number. However, after you ﷺ, all those who claimed prophethood and passed or will pass, all of them are Dajjal and liars, and those who believe in their false prophethood are outside the fold of Islam and are a separate parallel community from the Ummah of Muhammad. Like the Babi community, Bahai community, and the Mirzai community, etc., similarly, the Lahori Mirzais who consider Mirza Qadiani as the Promised Messiah.
164. 3 This is a special attribute of Musa (peace be upon him) in which he is distinguished from other prophets. According to a narration of Sahih Ibn Hibban, Imam Ibn Kathir has also included Adam (peace be upon him) and Muhammad ﷺ in this attribute of direct conversation (تفسیر ابن کثیر زیر آیت (تِلْكَ الرُّسُلُ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَھُمْ عَلٰي بَعْضٍ) 3:253).
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.
[218] Two methods of conveying revelation to the Messenger have already been mentioned above in Hadith number 2. The third method is that Allah Almighty speaks to a Messenger from behind a veil, and this virtue was especially granted to Sayyiduna Musa. That is why Sayyiduna Musa ؑ has been mentioned specifically. However, on the occasion of Mi'raj, this was also granted to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. And all three of these forms are also mentioned in the Noble Quran in Surah Ash-Shura, verse number 51. The beginning of the prophethood and messengership of Sayyiduna Musa ؑ was with such a revelation in which Allah Almighty spoke to Sayyiduna Musa ؑ, and this voice was coming from behind a tree (the details will come ahead in Surah Al-Qasas). After that as well, he was granted the honor of conversation on Mount Tur; that is why Musa is called Kalimullah.
