Surah Al-A'raaf (7) — Ayah 138
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.
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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The Request for Calf Worship:
Although the Children of Israel had believed in Sayyiduna Musa (Moses) ؑ and had professed their monotheism, the germs of calf worship still remained within them, in which they had spent their lives. As soon as they crossed the sea, they saw some people who had placed a brass idol of a calf in their place of worship and were engaged in its worship. Seeing them, the Children of Israel were reminded of their old ways and felt a longing for calf worship, to the extent that they even expressed this to Musa ؑ. Musa ؑ said to them, "What ignorant words are you uttering? Have you still not understood that only Allah is worthy of worship?"
The Illness of Tangible Images and the Notion of the Shaykh’s Image, and Dhat Anwat:
Idol worshippers generally say that they do not worship these idols, but rather worship Allah alone. However, since it is human nature to be more inclined towards something tangible, by placing an idol before them, they feel more attentive towards Allah. Muslims do not place anyone’s idol before them, but they so firmly fix the image or imagination of their Shaykh in their minds that his image or imagination remains before their eyes, and they say that they worship Allah alone. All such things are a prelude to shirk (associating partners with Allah), and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ has forbidden every such thing in which even a suspicion of shirk is found. Thus, once the Prophet ﷺ went to a battle, and there the Muslims saw a lote tree. They expressed the desire to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ that just as the disbelievers had designated a tree upon which they hung their clothes and weapons and gathered around it, and called it Dhat Anwat, in the same way, he should designate a Dhat Anwat for them as well. The Prophet ﷺ said, "This is just like when the Children of Israel said to Musa ؑ, 'Make for us an idol just as they have idols.'" [ترمذي۔ ابواب الفتن۔ باب لتركبن سنن من كان قبلكم]
