Surah As-Saff (61) — Ayah 4
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 The coming of this verse at this place is evidence that the previous verses are related to fighting in the way of Allah.
➌ This verse shows the virtue of those who fight in the way of Allah, that they are beloved servants of Allah. Abu Sa'id Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: [ قِيْلَ يَا رَسُوْلَ اللّٰهِ ! أَيُّ النَّاسِ أَفْضَلُ؟ فَقَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ صَلَّی اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مُؤْمِنٌ يُجَاهِدُ فِيْ سَبِيْلِ اللّٰهِ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ، قَالُوْا ثُمَّ مَنْ؟ قَالَ مُؤْمِنٌ فِيْ شِعْبٍ مِنَ الشِّعَابِ يَتَّقِي اللّٰهَ وَ يَدَعُ النَّاسَ مِنْ شَرِّهِ ] [ بخاري، الجہاد والسیر، باب أفضل الناس مؤمن مجاہد بنفسہ… : ۲۷۸۶ ] "People said: 'O Messenger of Allah! Who among the people is the best (most virtuous)?' The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'The believer who strives in the way of Allah with his life and his wealth.' They said: 'Then who?' He said: 'The believer who is in one of the mountain passes, fears Allah, and keeps people safe from his evil.'"
➍ From this verse it is known that Allah's love is attained only by those who possess these qualities: first, that they are not those who save their lives, but those who fight and sacrifice their lives and wealth. Second, that they fight solely for the pleasure of Allah and for the elevation of His religion. Third, that they fight in ranks with discipline and order; this also includes obedience to the leader, that wherever they are assigned, they remain steadfast; without this, neither a rank is formed nor maintained. Fourth, that in belief and purpose, in love for each other, and in trust in each other, they are completely united, just as there is no gap in a "solid structure," there should be no gap among them either. Then, just as a "solid structure" does not move from its place, their feet should not be uprooted from the field under any circumstances, as all these qualities were found in the companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). See the commentary of Surah Al-Fath, verse (29): « اَشِدَّآءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَآءُ بَيْنَهُمْ ».
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.
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Three Instructions Regarding Jihad:
This divine command holds the status of a general rule that contradiction between word and deed is extremely disliked by Allah, and its specific aspect is that during the Makkan period, when Muslims were only commanded to be patient and forbearing, many Muslims wished that they should be permitted to fight the disbelievers, and if we are granted this permission, we will utterly destroy the disbelievers. But when the permission was granted, some people began to say: O Lord! What was the hurry in making fighting obligatory upon us? [4: 77]
And upon hearing this command, the color drained from the faces of some people. They began to feel as if death was about to come upon them at any moment. [47: 20]
Such contradiction between word and deed is extremely disliked by Allah. And what Allah likes is that you strive in His path. For jihad, Allah Almighty has stated three conditions in this verse. First, that this jihad should be solely for the purpose of exalting the word of Allah, and no other motive should be attached to it. Second, that you should line up before the enemy in such a way that no gap remains. Third, that there should be no wavering or instability in your steadfastness. And you should stand so firmly and resolutely in your place that it appears as if you are a wall of solid lead.
