Fath al-Rabbani

Humaid bin Abdur Rahman narrates that Marwan said to his doorkeeper Rafi: O Rafi! Go to Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) and say to him: If each of us is pleased with what he has been given and likes to be praised for deeds he has not done, then surely we will all be punished. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: What is the matter with you? What connection do you have with this verse? This was revealed about the People of the Book. Then he recited this verse: {وَاِذْ اَخَذَ اللّٰہُ مِیْثَاقَ الَّذِیْنَ اُوْتُوا الْکِتٰبَ لَتُبَیِّنُنَّہ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَاتَکْتُمُوْنَہ ْ فَنَبَذُوْہُ وَرَاء َ ظُہُوْرِھِمْ وَاشْتَرَوْا بِہٖثَمَنًاقَلِیْلًا فَبِئْسَ مَا یَشْتَرُوْنَ۔} … And when Allah took a firm covenant from those who were given the Book: “You must make it clear to the people and not conceal it,” but they threw it behind their backs and exchanged it for a small price. So wretched is that which they purchase. And along with this, he also recited this verse: {لَا تَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِینَیَفْرَحُوْنَ بِمَا أَ تَوْا وَیُحِبُّونَ أَ نْ یُحْمَدُوْا بِمَا لَمْیَفْعَلُوا} … Do not think those who rejoice for what they have done and love to be praised for what they did not do. Then Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked the People of the Book a question, they concealed it and gave a false answer, and wished that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would praise them on the basis that they had told him what he asked, and these Jews were very pleased at having concealed the truth and having given an answer to the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).