His saying, Most High: “O you who believe, stand firm for Allah as witnesses in justice”—that is, uphold justice, speaking (1) truthfully. He commanded them to be just and truthful in their deeds and words. “Do not let”—that is, do not allow—“the hatred of a people” to lead you “to be unjust”; that is, to abandon justice toward them because of your enmity toward them. Then He said: “Be just”—meaning, toward both your allies and your enemies—“that is nearer to piety,” meaning, nearer to piety. “And fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.”

“Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness and a tremendous reward.” This is in the accusative case, because the verb “has promised” governs “forgiveness.” Its nominative reading is based on an implied expression; that is, He said: “For them is forgiveness and a tremendous reward.”