Surah Al-Maaida (5) — 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.
➋ {يٰقَوْمِ اذْكُرُوْا نِعْمَةَ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْكُمْ …… :} In this, Allah Almighty has specifically mentioned three of His blessings: first, that He sent among them great prophets, such as Ishaq, Yaqub, Yusuf, and Musa (peace be upon them). Second, that He made all of them (the Children of Israel) kings, meaning He freed them from Pharaoh and granted them their own rule. It is understood from this that every individual of a free and ruling nation is a king, and every individual of a subjugated nation is a slave. Third, that He made them the standard-bearers of monotheism, while all other nations were involved in polytheism. Included in this third blessing are also those miracles that came into existence to help the Children of Israel, such as the splitting of the sea, the shade of the cloud, the gushing forth of springs from the rock, manna and quails, etc.
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 This is a reference to those blessings and miracles with which the Children of Israel were favored, such as the descent of manna and quails, the shade of clouds, the parting of the sea for deliverance from Pharaoh, etc. In this respect, this nation held a position of excellence and high status in its time, but after the prophethood and mission of the last Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ, this position of excellence has now been granted to the Ummah of Muḥammad (كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ اُمَّةٍ اُخْرِجَتْ للنَّاسِ) 3:110 You are the best nation produced for mankind. But this is also conditional upon fulfilling the purpose which is stated in the same verse: you enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah. May Allah grant the Muslim Ummah the ability to work for this purpose so that it may maintain its honor of being the best nation.
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.
[51]
The Prophets of Bani Israel Who Were Also Kings:
The Children of Israel were living a life of utter humiliation and slavery in Egypt. When Allah Almighty sent Sayyiduna Yusuf ؑ, He also granted him a great kingdom. He ruled over Egypt and the surrounding lands. During that time, the Children of Israel were able to live with honor, and both religious and worldly leadership was in their hands. However, later, due to their disobedience, that honor was taken away from them, until the time when Sayyiduna Musa ؑ was sent. At that time, despite being in the millions in Egypt, the Children of Israel were living under the rule of Pharaoh in a state of subjugation and extreme humiliation. When Musa ؑ came, he delivered the Children of Israel from the slavery of Pharaoh. In that era, these people of Bani Israel, who had a slave mentality, had become involved in calf-worship, imitating the ruling nation. The concept of worshipping the One God had vanished from their minds, and, what is worse, the love for the worship of the calf and that religion had taken such root in their hearts as should have been for Allah Almighty, or even more than that. Allah Almighty forgave them for this sin as well. Then among them, Sayyiduna Dawud ؑ and Sayyiduna Sulaiman ؑ were sent, whom Allah Almighty also granted kingship.
