Commentary
And when He commanded him - glorified and exalted is He - to convey to them this speech; and in it is mockery of them; and reproach to them; and disdain for their minds; what only those like them among the eloquent can know its measure; and the pure Arabs; and since it is the speech of the All-Knowing of the consequences; the All-Aware of what the hearts conceal - perhaps the believers would adopt it; so they addressed them in a manner similar to it from themselves; forbidding them from that; so that they would not say what incites evil; or stirs harm; He said (the Exalted): "And say"; meaning: say to them that; from wisdom; and good advice; and say "to My servants"; meaning: those who are deserving of being added to Me; advising them; so that they do not exceed the limit from the intensity of their anger towards the polytheists; if you say to them that; "they will say"; the advice; and the wisdom; and the argument; "which is best"; so that I may be with them; for I am with those who are conscious of Allah; and those who are doers of good; then He explained that with His saying (the Exalted): "Indeed, the devil"; meaning: the one far from mercy; burning with curse; "stirs discord between them"; meaning: corrupts; and incites; and whispers; and the root of "discord" is stabbing; and they are not infallible; so it is likely that they will bring forth what is not suitable for the situation; or the time; by mentioning the faults of others; or the virtues of themselves; thus causing harm; then He explained this reason with His saying (the Exalted): "Indeed, the devil was"; meaning: in ancient times; and the essence of nature; being something he is predisposed to; "an enemy to man"; meaning: one of great enmity; "clear."
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