Tafseer Ibn Kathir of AL MU'MIN [38]

38. And the man who believed said: ”O my people! Follow me, I will guide you to the way of right conduct.'' 39. ”O my people! Truly, this life of the world is nothing but an enjoyment, and verily, the Hereafter that is the home that will remain forever.'' 40. ”Whoever does an evil deed, will not be requited except the like thereof; and whosoever does a righteous deed, whether male or female and is a true believer, such will enter Paradise, where they will be provided therein without limit.''   This believer said to his people who persisted in their rebellion and transgression, and preferred the life of this world:

(O my people! Follow me, I will guide you to the way of right conduct.) This is in contrast to the false claim of Fir`awn:

(and I guide you only to the path of right policy.) Then he sought to make them shun this world which they preferred to the Hereafter, and which had prevented them from believing in the Messenger of Allah, Musa, peace be upon him. He said:

(O my people! Truly, this life of the world is nothing but an enjoyment,) meaning, it is insignificant and fleeting, and soon it will diminish and pass away.

(and verily, the Hereafter that is the home that will remain forever.) means, the abode which will never end and from which there will be no departure, which will be either Paradise or Hell. Allah says:

(Whosoever does an evil deed, will not be requited except the like thereof;) means, one like it.

(and whosoever does a righteous deed, whether male or female and is a true believer, such will enter Paradise, where they will be provided therein without limit.) means, the reward cannot be enumerated, but Allah will give an immense reward without end. And Allah is the Guide to the straight path.