Quran

Having mentioned the proof to them, [polytheists of Makkah], and warned them of punishment, but it was evident that they were imitators, He reminded them of their greatest father (Abraham), the source of their pride and the one who is more worthy to be followed, for he was the greatest of their fathers and the only one with the proof [for the Oneness of Allah]. Al-Biqai: 7/21.
Question: The story of Abraham (u) is related after mentioning the state of the polytheists who persisted in following their fathers. Why?

Abraham's disownment of what his father worshiped was a clear indication of avoiding the worship of idols in an intolerant manner, even if the idols worshiper was the closest relative to the believer such as the father. Ibn Ashur: 25/192.
Question: Abraham mentioned his father before his people in his disownment. Why?

(And he made it), this praiseworthy trait, which is the most important of all and the basis of all those characteristics, namely sincerity in worshiping Allah alone and disowning the worship of everything besides Him. This word remained among his descendants until they began to live a life of affluence and transgression. Al-Saadi: 764.
Question: Luxurious life and transgression have impacts on the belief of the Oneness of Allah. How?

This is because of their great stubbornness and opposition, for they could not stop at merely turning away from it or merely rejecting it. They were not content until they impugned and criticized it in the worst manner, regarding it as equivalent to magic, which no one brings but the most evil of people and the worst liars and fabricators. Al-Saadi: 765.
Question: This saying, (This is magic) reflects the state in which the polytheists were. What was it?

As worldly livelihood and provision are in the Hand of Allah, it is He Who distributes it among His servants, so He gives abundant provision to whomever He wills and restricts it for whomever He wills, in accordance with His wisdom. Therefore, it is more appropriate that His religious blessings, the highest of which is the status of being a Prophet or Messenger, should be in the Hand of Allah, for Allah knows best where to place His message. Thus, it is known that their suggestions were flawed and invalid, and the control of all things, both religious and worldly, is in the Hand of Allah alone. Al-Saadi: 765.
Question: Allah mentions His distribution of provisions after relating their suggestion this Quran should have been sent down upon a great man from one of the two cities. Why?

This subjection is for service, which means that We have raised some of them above others in ranks, so that they may serve one another. Ibn Juzay: 2/312.
Question: There is great wisdom behind the differences in people’s ranks. What is it?

Alhasan said: It means that if it were not that all people would become disbelievers because of their inclination toward the life of this world and neglecting the Hereafter, We would have given them in this life what has been described. That is because of the insignificance of worldly life to Allah. Al-Qurtubi: 19/37-38.
Question: In light of this verse, explain how insignificant this worldly life to Allah.