Surah Al-An'aam (6) — Ayah 153
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.
Out of all religions, the only straight path is Islam; all others are false. Just as in this verse all false religions are forbidden, in the same way, making sects within Islam is also prohibited. In Islam, the only straight path is the path of the Book and the Sunnah, upon which the first three generations have passed, whom the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) declared as the best of people. [ بخاری، فضائل أصحاب النبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ، باب فضائل أصحاب النبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم : ۳۶۵۱ ] All other paths are forbidden, whether it is the imitation of the four schools of thought or the ways invented by the people of innovation, because these all originated later. Every kind of innovation, old or new, is misguidance. The Imams of the religion and all the mujtahids, both early and later, have advised that no one should blindly follow them, but rather everyone should follow the Book and the Sunnah. This is the straight path to which Allah Almighty has invited.
➋ {لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُوْنَ:} So that you may be saved from disobedience to Allah, His punishment, and Hell, because there is no way to be saved except by avoiding the different paths and walking on His straight path. Therefore, the way of piety is only this.
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.
153. 2. The Straight Path is mentioned in the singular form because the path of Allah, or the Quran, or the Messenger of Allah is one, not more than one. Therefore, only this one path is to be followed, not any other, and this is the foundation of the unity and consensus of the Muslim Ummah, from which, by deviating greatly, this Ummah has been divided into various sects and groups, even though it has been emphasized that you should not follow other paths, for those paths will separate you from the path of Allah. In another place, Allah Almighty has said: establish the religion and do not create division in it, meaning there is absolutely no permission for disagreement and division. The same point has been clarified in the hadith by the Prophet ﷺ in this way: he drew a line with his hand and said, "This is the straight path of Allah." And he drew several lines to its right and left and said, "These are paths upon which Satan sits and calls people to them." Then the Prophet ﷺ recited this very verse which is under explanation.
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.
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The Straight Path and the Wrong Paths:
Once, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ drew a straight line. Then he drew many lines to the right and left of this line. After that, he said that this straight line is the path of Allah Almighty, and all the lines to the right and left are the paths of Satan. Then he ﷺ recited this very verse [نسائي بحواله مشكوٰة۔ كتاب الاعتصام الفصل الثاني], meaning that as soon as one strays from the straight path, countless byways appear here and there. After leaving the path of Allah, some end up on one byway, some on another, and some on a third. In this way, the entire human race becomes lost and scattered, and the dream of the advancement of humanity fails to be realized. This very reality has been expressed in this phrase.
