“So that He may make what Satan casts a trial for those in whose hearts is a disease and whose hearts are hardened. Indeed, the wrongdoers are in extreme dissension. And so that those who have been given knowledge may know that it is the truth from your Lord, and thus believe in it, so that their hearts may humbly submit to it. Indeed, Allah surely guides those who believe to a straight path.” (53–54)

“Then Allah nullifies what Satan casts,” that is, He invalidates it and removes it. “Then Allah confirms His verses,” establishing them. “And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.”

“So that He may make what Satan casts a trial for those in whose hearts is a disease,” that is, an ordeal and affliction of doubt and hypocrisy, “and whose hearts are hardened”—meaning, unyielding toward acceptance of the truth. They are the polytheists. This is because they were tempted when they heard that; then it was abrogated and removed, whereupon they only grew more insolent. They supposed that Muhammad uttered it of his own accord, then regretted it and nullified it. “Indeed, the wrongdoers”—that is, the polytheists—“are in extreme dissension,” meaning, in severe opposition.

“And so that those who have been given knowledge may know”: that is, those given knowledge of monotheism and the Quran. Al-Suddi said: the affirmation of Allah Most High’s abrogation. “That it”—meaning, that which Allah has confirmed of the verses of the Quran—“is the truth from your Lord, and thus believe in it,” that is, believe that