(34) “We have certainly sent down to you verses that make matters clear, an example from those who passed away before you, and an admonition for those mindful of Allah.”

This magnifies and exalts these verses that Allah has recited to His servants, so that they may appreciate their worth and give them their due. He says, “We have certainly sent down to you verses that make matters clear”—that is, verses whose meaning is clear regarding every matter you need, whether foundational or subsidiary, so that no ambiguity or doubt remains concerning them.

“And” We have also sent down to you “an example from those who passed away before you”: accounts of earlier peoples, both the righteous and the wicked, descriptions of their deeds, and what happened to them, whether in their favor or against them. You may take this as an example and a lesson: whoever does deeds like theirs will receive recompense like that which they received.

“And an admonition for those mindful of Allah”—that is, We have sent down to you an admonition for those mindful of Allah, comprising promises and warnings, encouragement and deterrence. Those mindful of Allah heed it and turn away from what Allah dislikes toward what He loves.