And when he mentioned the righteous division among them, and they were differing, among them is the predecessor and most of them are the follower who comes later. He followed the predecessors in a comprehensive manner that encompasses the two categories of the nomads and the residents, indicating that although he has delayed it, its origin has preceded it. He described it in a way that equaled the people of perfection in the absolute inclusion in their dominion and the attainment of their rank due to his excellence in their following. This is to encourage the people of ability and mercy to follow the people of pleasure and blessing. So he said: "And the predecessors." And when he indicated their precedence by their elevation in ranks, he indicated the ancientness of their entry into it. So he said: "The first ones," meaning to this upright religion, "from the emigrants," meaning from the land of disbelief, in addition to its people, "and the supporters," meaning those who sheltered and supported, "and those who followed them," meaning the two groups, "with goodness," meaning in their following, so they did not deviate from any of their paths. "Allah is pleased" meaning the One who has all perfection, "with them," meaning by their actions which are in accordance with what He commanded, "and they are pleased with Him," meaning by what He has brought them of good tidings and has cast into their hearts of light through gentle admonition and reminder. "And He has prepared for them," meaning a reward for their actions, "gardens beneath which rivers flow." And he pointed to the abundance of its irrigation and the multitude of its water by removing the preposition in the reading of the congregation. So he said: "Beneath which rivers flow," meaning it has abundant waters. So every place you desire, water springs from it, and a river flows from it. And when the intended purpose of the water is merely ease in its emergence due to its proximity and the ease of its flow and spread, Ibn Kathir confirmed this as an indication of that, as in other places. And perhaps the specification of this place with the difference is because it pertains to this nation. So perhaps it is specified with a garden that is the greatest of gardens in irrigation, beauty, and adornment.

And when the greatest of defects is severance, he negated it with his saying: "They will abide therein," and he emphasized the intended meaning of eternity with his saying: "Forever." Then he began praising what He has prepared for them with his saying: "That is," meaning the lofty matter of high status especially, "the great success."