Quran

The demonstrative pronoun, (this), is used here to indicate the insignificance of worldly life. Ibn Ashur: 21/31.
Question: In this verse, the demonstrative pronoun, (this), is used. Why?

Meaning: This worldly life is a play and distraction. There is nothing that is given to the wealthy in this life except that it will diminish and cease, like playing, which lacks reality and steadiness. Some scholars said: If worldly life stays with you, you will not stay with it. Al-Qurtubi: 16/387.
Question: Explain the reality of worldly life as it is described by its Creator, the Almighty.

They did not experience any fear when traveling through the desert, because they used to travel in caravans, with their arms, and the routes were well known to them, therefore, they never had fear in general. However, when they travel by sea, they become horrified at its turmoil that cannot be warded off by their number nor strength, hence, they invoke only Allah and none of their idols. Ibn Ashur: 21/32.
Question: Traveling by sea is singled out for experiencing fear. Why?

Meaning: I made for them a safe sanctuary in which they felt safe from being captured, raided on, or being killed. I saved them while being on land as well as when at sea, yet, they associate partners with Me on land, but do not do that when at sea! This is a wander at their contradiction. Al-Qurtubi: 16/389.
Question: In light of this verse, explain the polytheists’ contradiction.

Abu Sulayman Al-Darani said: The mentioned strive in this verse is not limited to Jihad against the disbelievers, but also supporting the religion, responding to falsifiers, suppressing wrongdoers, and most important of all, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is evil. Striving against oneself for the obedience of Allah is the greatest Jihad. Al-Qurtubi: 16/390.
Question: Is this great reward of guidance limited to fighting against the disbelievers only?

Victory does not occur just because of worldly means; rather it must also be according to the divine will and decree. Al-Saadi: 636.
Question: This statement is mentioned in the story of Persia and the Romans. Why?

The believers rejoiced at the victory of the Romans over Persia because the Romans were people of the Scripture, hence, they were closer to the religion of Islam. Similarly, the disbelievers of Quraish rejoiced at the victory of the Persians over the Romans because the Persians did not have a divine Scripture, and therefore, they were closer to the disbelievers of Quraish. Ibn Juzay: 2/164.
Question: The believers rejoiced at the victory of the Romans even though the Romans were disbelievers. Why?