We had tried those who were before them so that God knew who spoke the truth, and who were liars.
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Tafseer
'Abdullāh Ibn 'Abbās / Muḥammad al-Fīrūzabādī
تفسير : (lo! we tested those who were before you) before the companions of muhammad (pbuh) after the demise of their prophets, with caprice, blameworthy innovations and the violation of sanctities. (thus allah knoweth) in order that allah sees and distinguishes (those who are sincere) in their faith by avoiding caprice, blameworthy innovation and by shunning that which is unlawful, (and knoweth those who feign) i.e. the insincere in their faith who follow caprice, blameworthy innovation and the violation of sanctities.
Jalāl al-Dīn al-Maḥallī
تفسير : and certainly we tried those who were before them. so god shall surely know those who are sincere, in their faith — a knowledge of direct vision — and he shall surely know those who are liars, regarding it.
