Mujahid said that by «إلى شياطينهم‏» their friends, the hypocrites and polytheists, are meant. The meaning of «محيط بالكافرين‏» is that Allah is the gatherer of the disbelievers. In «على الخاشعين‏» , by «خاشعين‏» , steadfast believers are meant. «بقوة‏» means to act upon it with strength, this is what is intended. Abu’l-‘Aliyah said that by «مرض‏» , «شك» is meant. By «صبغة» , religion is meant. «وما خلفها‏» means a lesson for the later people who remain. The meaning of «لا شية‏» is that there is no whiteness in it, and apart from Abu’l-‘Aliyah, others said that the meaning of «يسومونكم‏» is that they used to raise it over you or always caused you trouble. And (in Surah al-Kahf) «الولاية‏» with an open waw means «ربوبية» , that is, divinity. And «ولاية‏» with a kasrah on waw means leadership. Some people said that all the grains which people eat are called «فوم‏.‏» . ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) read it as thūm, meaning garlic. The meaning of «فادارأتم» is that you disputed among yourselves. Qatadah said «فباءوا‏» means they turned back, and apart from Qatadah, another person (Abu ‘Ubaydah) said the meaning of «يستفتحون‏» is that they used to seek help. The meaning of «شروا‏» is sold. The word «راعنا‏» is derived from «رعونة» . When the Arabs called someone foolish, they would address him with the word «راعنا‏» . «لا يجزي‏» will be of no use. The meaning of «ابتلي» is tested, examined. The word «خطوات‏» «خطو» is the plural of qadam (foot).

Narrated `Abdullah: I asked the Prophet, "What is the greatest sin in the Sight of Allah?" He said, "That you set up a rival unto Allah though He Alone created you." I said, "That is indeed a great sin." Then asked, "What is next?" He said, "To kill your son lest he should share your food with you." I asked, "What is next?" He said, "To commit illegal sexual intercourse with the wife of your neighbor."