Surah Al-An'aam (6) — Ayah 165
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 رَفَعَ بَعْضَكُمْ فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ دَرَجٰتٍ …… :} That is, the purpose of granting superiority to some over others in appearance and form, wealth and status, and knowledge and intellect is to test you in the blessings He has given; if you choose disbelief and fail, then punishment will come very soon, because everything that is to come is near, and death and the Resurrection are certainly coming and coming very soon. And if you believe, and then there is any slip, then that Pure Being is exceedingly Forgiving and extremely Merciful.
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.
165. 2 That is, poverty and wealth, knowledge and ignorance, health and sickness—whatever was given to whom, in that itself is his test.
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.
[190] This can also mean that man is Allah’s vicegerent on earth; he has been given certain powers so that he may establish the divine caliphate on earth. And it can also mean that man is the successor of those who passed before him on earth, and this discussion has already passed under verse 30 of Surah Al-Baqarah.
[191]
Man’s Test is Only in What Allah Has Given Him:
That is, some are rich, some are poor, some are learned, some are ignorant, some are intelligent, some are foolish; some have greater capacity for work, some have less; physically, some are strong and powerful, and some are weak and frail. In short, there are countless aspects of difference in the ranks of people in this world. The system of the world can only be maintained through these differences in ranks, and in this world, every person’s test is according to his own capacity; whatever quality Allah has given to someone, his test will be in that very thing.
[192] The test of the rich is whether he gives thanks to Allah or not, whether he fulfills the financial rights of others that are due upon him or not. If he is poor, does he act with patience and contentment, or does he start complaining and lamenting, and even in that state, does he give thanks to Allah or not? And if someone is learned, is he also practicing upon his knowledge or not, and does he benefit others with his knowledge and teach others or not? That is, does he fulfill the responsibilities that are placed upon him due to his knowledge or not? If someone is a ruler, how does he treat his subjects? If he is a subject, to what extent does he obey his rulers? In short, every person has a particular position in this world, whether his rank is high or low, and it is in that position that he is being tested in this world according to his circumstances. If he fails in this test, Allah has the power to punish him quickly, and if he is obedient but has made mistakes, Allah is Forgiving. And if he succeeds in this test, Allah is very Merciful to him; He will grant him honor in this world and will reward him with His bounties in the Hereafter as well. This verse is the conclusion of this Surah, in which it has been made clear to mankind what his status is in this universe and for what purpose he has been created.
