The Explanation of SooratAl-Bayyinah (Clear Evidence) - II

The text of the chapter [from verse 6 to the end]
6. Indeed, they who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture and
the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell, abiding eternally
therein. Those are the worst of creatures.
7. Indeed, they who have believedand done righteous deeds — those are
the best of creatures.
8. Their reward with Allaah will be gardens of perpetual residence
beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever, Allaah
being pleased with them and they with Him. That is for whoever has
feared hisLord.
Explanation
Allaah, the Most High, informs us about the end of the unjust
rejecters of faith from among thePeople of the Book and the
polytheists who oppose the revealed Books of Allaah and the Prophets,
may Allaah exalt their mention, sent by Him, saying thatthey (the
rejecters) will be thrown into the Hell-fire on the Day of
Resurrection, to abide therein for all eternity. They will not be able
to evade it, nor will they be removed from it.
" Those are the worst of creatures. "
That is, the most despised of Allaah's creatures. Then He, Most High,
informs us concerning those who are pious, fear Allaah and are true
Believers, confirmingby their words and deeds that they are the best
of created beings. Abu Hurayrah and a number of Muslim scholars have
concluded from this verse that the true believer is superior to the
angels, who are part of thecreation .
" Their reward with Allaah " that is, on the Day of Resurrection .
" Gardens of Eden under which rivers flow; they will dwell therein
forever ." That is, without interruption, without ceasing .
" Allaah being pleased with them-" That is, Allaah's Pleasure is
better and more sublime than the lasting felicity, which they aregiven
.
" and they with Him. " That is, with the infinite Grace bestowed on
them by Him .
" That is for whoever has feared his Lord. "
That is, this reward can be achieved by him who fears Allaah and is
devout with a sincere devotion, who worships Him always as if he was
seeing Him, knowing that, though he does not see his Lord, his Lord
sees him. It is reported on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that he
said: "The Messenger of Allaah said:
"Shall I not inform you about the best of creation?" They (the
audience) said: "Certainly, O, Messenger of Allaah!" He said: "A man
who takes the reins of his horse (and rides it) in the Way of Allaah
(in Jihaad) and whenever he hears the call of one in distress, he
rides to his rescue. Shall I not inform you of the best of creation?"
They said: "Certainly,O, Messenger of Allaah!" He said: "A man who
(even when he) is busy with his sheep, is steadfast in prayer and pays
Zakaah (alms). Shall I not inform you about the worst of creation?"
They said:"Certainly, O, Messenger of Allaah!" He said: "The one who
asks in Allaah's Name, but does not give in His Name." [Imam Ahmad]
Maalik Ibn 'Amr Ibn Thaabit Al-Ansaari said: "When the Soorah (Quranic
chapter) " Indeed, they who disbelieved among the People of the
Scripture and the polytheists… " [Al-Bayyinah] was revealed, Archangel
Jibreel (Gabriel) said toProphet Muhammad : "O, Messenger of Allaah!
Verily, your Lord orders you to recite this Soorah to Ubayy (one of
the prominent reciters and scribes ofthe Noble Quran among the
Companions)." So, the Messenger of Allaah said to Ubayy : "Verily,
Jibreel has ordered me to make you recite this Soorah." Ubayy said:
"Then I was mentioned, O, Messenger of Allaah?" He said: "Yes." Then
Ubayy wept. [Imaams Ahmad, Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Imaams At-Tirmithi and An-Nasa'ee have reported something similar.
This Soorah was read to Ubayy Ibn Ka'b merely to strengthen him in his
faith, to convey the Message and as a reminder, not for Ubayy to learn
something which he did not know or to make him memorize it - and
Allaah knows best.
Source: Tafseer Ibn Katheer, Juz' 'Amma