So when the matter of resurrection was confirmed to the utmost certainty, and there remained no pause for anyone with understanding, he stated what the situation necessitated regarding this abode. He said, warning of its insignificance and marveling at their strong desire for its pleasures. He informed that he had uncovered the reality that what they relied upon is an illusion, and what they denied is a fixed truth that has no end. This is contrary to what they used to say: "And what is this worldly life."

And when the context was about loss, and it was most often about play - which is the act that increases the joy of the soul in a way that is not lawful, and its end is swift - he presented it and said: "Except play and diversion" [meaning] for the wretched. And for the worldly life, it is evil for those who play. And diversion is that which has no concern to please the soul, like singing and adornment from wealth and women in a way that has not been permitted, so it becomes a cause for heedlessness of what is beneficial. [Thus, his delay is an indication that the ignorant, whenever they lag in play, which is engagement in lowly matters and false distractions with lofty souls - they provoke desires with amusements]. The meaning is that it has been confirmed from these verses the demise of the world, so its swiftness has been established; for every coming is near. At that time, it is nothing but an hour of play, and a person regrets what he has wasted in it, just as a player - if he has any sense - regrets missing out on profits when he sees what those of determination and resolve have gained.

And when the estimation is by what the meaning has guided to: And what is the Hereafter but seriousness, presence, and permanence for the righteous - he followed it with his saying, confirming: "And the Hereafter is better." And when all of them will ultimately return to the Hereafter - he specified by saying: "For those who are conscious of God" [meaning: they possess piety], which is the fear of Allah that drives one to perform acts of obedience and abandon sins, so that this becomes a protection for them from the anger of Allah. He mentioned the state of the world and omitted its result for its people to indicate the fruit of the Hereafter upon it, and he omitted the mention of the state of the Hereafter to indicate the mention of the state of the world upon it. Thus, it is an interlocking; and when it is the nature of the wise to turn towards good and leave other than it, it resulted from their turning towards the transient and leaving the everlasting his saying, denying: "Do you not understand?"