Surah Ash-Shura (42) — Ayah 14
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 { بَغْيًۢا بَيْنَهُمْ:} That is, the cause of forming separate groups and sects was their mutual jealousy, stubbornness, and enmity, due to which, instead of submitting to the command of Allah, they formed separate sects based on their own opinions and conjectures, and did not even refrain from altering the Book of Allah, to the extent that their mutual differences escalated to opposition and then to fighting and warfare. See also the exegesis of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:213).
➌ { وَ لَوْ لَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِنْ رَّبِّكَ … :} For its exegesis, see the exegesis of Surah Ha Mim Sajdah (41:45).
➍ { وَ اِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ اُوْرِثُوا الْكِتٰبَ مِنْۢ بَعْدِهِمْ … :} That is, in the beginning, those who formed sects deviated from the truth despite having knowledge, and made such verbal and conceptual alterations in the Book of Allah that the later generations, who were not worthy of inheriting this Book but were made its heirs, became afflicted with such doubts about its authenticity due to these alterations that they remained severely disturbed and restless. They no longer had certainty about their books being revealed, but rather, without any evidence or proof, blindly followed their forefathers and elders.
➎ Mufassir Abdul Rahman Kilani writes: "There were several reasons why these heirs fell into doubt about their revealed books, the greatest of which is that the original language and original text of these books was not preserved and conveyed to the coming generations; only translations were used, and these translations themselves were considered the revealed book. The second reason was that the sayings of elders and additional material were included in them, to the extent that it became difficult to distinguish between the two types of texts. The third reason was that their historical chain of transmission was also lost (in fact, no chain was kept at all). The effect of all these things was that the later scholars themselves fell into doubt about the book as to which part is correct and revealed, and which text consists of the sayings of elders, etc., and this very doubt and suspicion kept them in a state of anxiety in making any correct decision." (Tayseer al-Qur'an)
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.
[18]
Causes of Sectarianism:
Differences and sectarianism among people do not arise because there is something ambiguous or disputed in the Book of Allah, which people do not fully understand. Rather, the real reason is the desire to raise one's own banner, mutual stubbornness, the wish to display one's unique ingenuity, the effort to outdo one another, or the pursuit of wealth and status. These are the very causes that became the motivation for inventing new beliefs and philosophies, new forms of worship and religious rituals, and new systems of life, which led a large portion of God's creation away from the straight and broad path of religion and scattered them into various ways, fragmenting the Ummah.
[19] It is already predetermined that man will be tested in this world after being given free will. And if, in response to such deeds, punishment were to be sent down upon them immediately, the very purpose of the test would be lost. Therefore, they are given respite. And the final time for this test is their death.
[20]
How Did the First Revealed Books Become Suspect?
There were several reasons why the inheritors fell into doubt regarding their revealed books, the greatest of which was that the original language and original text of these books were not preserved and conveyed to the coming generations. Instead, only translations were used, and these translations themselves came to be regarded as the revealed book. The second reason was that the sayings of elders and additional material were included in them, to the extent that it became difficult to distinguish between the two types of text. The third reason was that their historical chain of transmission was also lost. The effect of all these things was that the scholars who came later themselves fell into doubt about the book—about which part was correct and revealed, and which statements were the sayings of elders, etc. And this very doubt and suspicion kept them in anxiety when trying to make a correct decision about anything.
