“Indeed, He who has made the Quran binding upon you will surely bring you back to the place of return. Say, ‘My Lord knows best who has come with guidance and who is in clear error.’ (85)

Regarding His saying, “That abode of the Hereafter We assign to those who seek neither exaltation in the earth”: al-Kalbi and Muqatil said: it means arrogance that turns one away from faith. Ata said: “Exaltation” means raising oneself above people, looking down on them, and treating them with contempt. Al-Hasan said: They did not seek rank and might from a person in authority. It is narrated from Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, that this was revealed concerning humble rulers and people of power. (1)

“And corruption”: al-Kalbi said: it is calling people to worship other than Allah. Ikrimah said: wrongfully taking people’s wealth. Ibn Jurayj and Muqatil said: committing acts of disobedience.

“And the final outcome is for the God-fearing”: that is, the praiseworthy end belongs to whoever protects himself from Allah’s punishment by fulfilling His commands and avoiding disobedience to Him. Qatadah said: Paradise is for the God-fearing.

“Whoever comes with a good deed shall have better than it, and they will be safe from the terror of that Day.”

Regarding His saying, “Indeed, He who has made the Quran binding upon you”: according to the majority of Quranic exegetes, it means that He sent down the Quran to you. Ata said: He made it obligatory for you to act according to the Quran. “Will surely bring you back to the place of return”: that is, to Mecca. This is a narration transmitted by al-Awfi from Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them, (2) and it is also the view of Mujahid. Al-Qutaybi said: A man’s place of return is his homeland, because he