Tafsir of the Ayah: 'They rejoice for the sake of those who have not yet joined them'

Q 2: What is the Tafsir (explanation/exegesis) of the glorious Ayah (meanings of which are translated as): ...and rejoice for the sake of those who have not yet joined them, but are left behind (not yet martyred)

A: In his interpretation of this Ayah, Ibn Kathir (may Allah be merciful to him) said: “It indicates that the martyrs who were killed in the Cause of Allah are alive, with Allah, delighted because of the bounty and happiness they are enjoying. They are also awaiting their brethren, who will die in the Cause of Allah after them, for they will be meeting them soon. These martyrs do not have fear about the future or sorrow for what they left behind. We ask Allah to grant us Jannah (Paradise).” Muhammad ibn Is-haq said: They rejoice means they are pleased for getting together with those who fought and were killed like them in the Cause of Allah and will share with them the bounties which He bestowed upon them. Al-Suddy said: “A book is to be brought to a martyr in which is written that so-and-so will join you on such-and-such a day, and thus he rejoices at this news like the people of this world rejoice at the arrival of their absent beloved ones.” (Part No. 4; Page No. 209)  Sa‘id ibn Jubayr said: “When they (martyrs) enter Jannah and see the honorary status of martyrs, they will say: ‘If our brothers who are in worldly life could but know this high status we have known so that when they join a battle, they would fight until they are martyred and thus receive the same bounties bestowed upon us.’” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was informed of their high status and Allah (Exalted be He) informed them that He revealed to their Prophet (peace be upon him) an Ayah describing their status and the blessings they receive, so they rejoiced in that. This is the meaning of Allah’s saying: ...and rejoice for the sake of those who have not yet joined them, but are left behind (not yet martyred) It has been recorded in the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim) on the authority of Anas the story of Ma‘unah Well telling of the seventy Sahabah (Companions) from the Ansar who were murdered all in one morning. Anas narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to supplicate to Allah in Qunut (supplication said after bowing while standing in Prayer) against those who killed them. Anas said: “Words of Qur'an were revealed concerning them, but were later abrogated, saying, ‘Convey to our people that we met Allah and He was pleased with us and made us pleased.’” May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.