The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 3) — Page 110
CH. 11 HŪD from me. ' Lo! he is exultant and boastful;1392 12. "Save those who are steadfast and do good works. It is they who will have forgiveness reward. 1393 and a great PT. 12 لَفَرِحُ فَخُوْرُة إِلَّا الَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّلِحُتِ أوليكَ لَهُمْ مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ كَبِيرٌ ) 1392. Commentary: "41:9; 84:26; 95:7. Both attitudes of foolish elation and of abject despair described in this and the previous verses are assumed by those who give themselves up to disbelief and turn their backs on Divine revelation. They are carried away by the smallest change in their fortunes, whether for good or ill. If some distress happens to afflict them, they give way to despair, while they become foolishly elated with pride if some success or happiness comes their way. This is due to their lack of proper understanding of the law of God, which is to the effect that this life is subject to change and that sorrows and periods of good fortune come upon man to try his mettle and make him improve his moral and spiritual condition. But a disbeliever who fails to understand the purpose of God, instead of benefiting by his state of prosperity or affliction, often lets it overwhelm him. 1393. Commentary: This verse is a continuation of the preceding one and points out that although people lacking in true belief become elated or give way to despair at the smallest change in their circumstances, such is not the case with true believers. They do not allow them, but keep them under strict sorrow or joy to get the better of control. Sorrow cannot make them give way to despair and despondency. and face it with courage. Nor can They remain patient under adversity prosperity make them proud or the favours of God to good account haughty. On the contrary, they turn increase in piety and righteousness. and The words, It is they who will have forgiveness and a great reward, describe the true recompense of believers. As they remain patient under adversities and afflictions which befall them in consequence of their own mistakes and faults, God rewards their patience by forgiving their errors and by covering up their faults and weaknesses. Similarly, as they do not become conceited and proud by reason of the favours which God confers on them, but employ them for righteous ends, therefore God adds to His favours by conferring upon them still greater blessings. 1318