voluntary prayers by night and day, as Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said.
Al-Suddi said regarding His saying, “and those who believe—those who establish prayer and give zakah while they bow”: It refers to Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him. A beggar passed by him while he was bowing in the mosque, so he gave him his ring. (1)
Juwaybir narrated from al-Dahhak regarding His saying, “Your ally is none but Allah, His Messenger, and those who believe”: “The believers are allies of one another.” Abu Jafar Muhammad ibn Ali al-Baqir said: “Your ally is none but Allah, His Messenger, and those who believe” was revealed concerning the believers. It was said to him, “Some people claim that it was revealed concerning Ali, may Allah be pleased with him.” He replied, “He is among the believers.” (2)
“And whoever takes Allah, His Messenger, and those who believe as allies,” meaning: whoever devotes himself to obeying Allah and supporting His Messenger and the believers. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: He means the Emigrants and the Helpers. “Then indeed, the party of Allah,” meaning the supporters of Allah’s religion, “they are the victorious.”
“O you who believe, do not take as allies those who make a mockery and a game of your religion, from among those who were given the Scripture before you, nor the disbelievers. And fear Allah, if you are believers.” (57)