Surah At-Tawba (9) — Ayah 47
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 فِيْكُمْ سَمّٰعُوْنَ لَهُمْ …:} Among those who set out for Tabuk, there were some who had a soft spot for the hypocrites; Allah Almighty has warned all the other fighters about them that some of you simple-hearted people listen very attentively to their words, even though such discouraging people’s words should not be listened to at all. Another meaning could be that among you are those who spy for them, that is, who convey your weaknesses to them. Due to the definite article in {’’ بِالظّٰلِمِيْنَ ‘‘}, it has been translated as “those wrongdoers,” meaning Allah Almighty is well aware of those wrongdoers who, by committing this act, are wronging themselves and, by creating division and doubts among others, are also wronging them.
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.
47. 2. That is, through tale-bearing and the like, they would not have spared any effort in stirring up discord among you, and by discord is meant tearing apart unity and creating mutual enmity and hatred among them.
47. 3. From this, it is understood that there were some people among the believers in the army who were spying for the hypocrites and used to convey the Muslims’ news to the hypocrites.
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.
[50]
The Mischief of the Hypocrites in the Battlefield:
That is, even if such hypocrites joined the army of the Mujahideen, there was little hope for good and benefit; rather, on the contrary, they could create various kinds of harm. For example, by choosing the path of fleeing from battle, they could break the morale of others; or they could inform the enemy about the conditions of the Islamic army, or start colluding with them; or they could become the cause of discord within the Islamic army and create mutual disputes among them; or by spreading baseless rumors, they could spread disheartenment among the Muslims. Therefore, in Allah’s wisdom, it was better that they did not go.
[51]
Guidance for Simple-minded Muslims:
That is, O Muslims! Among you, too, there are some simple-minded individuals who listen very attentively to the words of these hypocrites and become influenced by them. They consider them to be their well-wishers, and another meaning could be that there are some people among the Muslims who spy for the hypocrites so that they can keep them informed about the conditions of the Muslims. And since there is no corruption in the intention of such Muslims, in this respect, their information could even be beneficial for the Muslims. That is, when they narrate to the hypocrites the incidents of the Muslims’ determination and bravery in fighting, it will inevitably instill awe of the Muslims in their hearts. However, in this verse, Muslims are being warned that you should also be cautious regarding such simple-minded Muslims, lest their very simplicity becomes a cause of mischief for you.
