Tafseer Ibn Kathir of AT TAUBAH [69]

69. Like those before you: they were mightier than you in power, and more abundant in wealth and children. They had enjoyed their portion (a while), so enjoy your portion (a while) as those before you enjoyed their portion (a while); and you indulged in play and pastime as they indulged in play and pastime. Such are they whose deeds are in vain in this world and in the Hereafter. Such are they who are the losers.) Allah says, these people were touched by torment in this life and the Hereafter, just as those before them. Allah's statement,

(their portion), means, ï´¿they mockedï´¾ their religion, according to Al-Hasan Al-Basri. Allah's statement,

(and you indulged in play and pastime as they indulged in play and pastime), indulged in lies and falsehood,

(Such are they whose deeds are in vain), their deeds are annulled; they will not acquire any rewards for them because they are invalid,

(in this world and in the Hereafter. Such are they who are the losers.) because they will not acquire any rewards for their actions. Ibn `Abbas commented, ”How similar is this night to the last night,

(Like those before you...) These are the Children of Israel, with whom we were compared. The Prophet said,

(By He in Whose Hand is my life! You will imitate them, and even if a man of them entered the den of a lizard, you will enter it likewise!)'' Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said,

قالوا: ومن هم يا رسول الله، أهل الكتاب؟ قال:

(By He in Whose Hand is my soul! You will follow the traditions of those who were before you a hand span for a hand-span and forearm's length for forearm's length, and an arm's length for an arm's length. And even if they enter the den of a lizard, you will also enter it.) They asked, ”Who, O Allah's Messenger, the People of the Book'' He said, (Who else)'' This Hadith is similar to another Hadith collected in the Sahih.