“And spread corruption in the land”: that is, they commit acts of disobedience. “Those will have the curse, and they will have the evil abode”: that is, the Fire. It was also said: the evil destination, for people’s destination is their abodes.

“Allah extends provision for whom He wills and restricts it. Yet they rejoice in the life of this world, whereas the life of this world is nothing but a fleeting enjoyment compared with the Hereafter. (26) Those who disbelieve say, ‘Why has no sign been sent down to him from his Lord?’ Say, ‘Indeed, Allah leaves astray whom He wills and guides to Himself whoever turns to Him.’ (27) Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah—for surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort. (28)”

His saying, exalted is He, “Allah extends provision for whom He wills and restricts it”: that is, He grants abundance to whomever He wills and constricts whomever He wills.

“And they rejoice in the life of this world”: that is, the idolaters of Mecca became exultant and insolent. Rejoicing is the heart’s pleasure upon attaining what it desires. This is evidence that rejoicing in worldly life is unlawful.

“Whereas the life of this world is nothing but a fleeting enjoyment compared with the Hereafter”: that is, something little which passes away. Al-Kalbi said: It is like a small dish, a large bowl, a cup, and a cooking pot: one benefits from them [then they pass away]. (1)

“Those who disbelieve,” among the people of Mecca, say, “Why has no sign been sent down to him from his Lord? Say, ‘Indeed, Allah leaves astray whom He wills and guides to Himself whoever turns to Him.’” [That is, He guides to Himself whomever He wills through turning penitently to Him. It was also said: He directs to His religion whoever returns to Him with his heart.] (2)

“Those who believe” is in the accusative position, as an appositive to “whoever turns to Him.” “And whose hearts find comfort”: that is, they become tranquil. “In the remembrance of Allah”: Muqatil said: in the Quran. Tranquillity comes through certainty, while agitation comes through doubt. “For surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort”: the hearts of the believers become tranquil, and certainty becomes firmly established within them.

Ibn Abbas said: This concerns an oath. He said: when a Muslim swears by Allah concerning something, the hearts of the believers are reassured by it. (3) (4)

If it is asked: Has Allah, Most High, not said, “The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts tremble” (al-Anfal, 2)? How, then, can tranquillity and trembling occur in one and the same state?