Tafsir of Hud 11:23

(Indeed, those who believed) that is, those who affirmed everything that is mandatory to affirm, including the Quran and other [divine truths]. This cannot occur except by listening to the truth, witnessing the signs in the horizons and within their own souls, and reflecting upon them. Alternatively, the meaning is that they performed faith and characterized themselves by it, as one says, "Such-and-such person gives and denies" [i.e., they habitually perform the act].

(And did righteous deeds) that is, righteous actions. It may be that what is intended by this is that which includes encouraging the path of Allah—Exalted and Majestic is He—and the like, which is in opposition to the group of disbelievers.

(And humbled themselves to their Lord) that is, found tranquility in Him—Glorified is He—and were submissive to Him. The root of al-ikhbat is the descent into al-khabt, which is low-lying land; then it was metaphorically applied to the tranquility of the soul and submissiveness, likening the intellectual concept to the tangible. Then it became a literal term for it. From this root is al-khabit (with a terminal ta), referring to the ignoble/vile person; though it is also said that the ta is a substitute for the tha (al-khabith).

(Those) who are described with these magnificent and lofty attributes, (are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally).

(Abiding forever). It is not intended to restrict eternity exclusively to them, for the sinful believers will enter Paradise according to the people of the truth and will abide therein. Perhaps whoever claims otherwise—denying eternity for the sinners—intends by that a negation of eternity [for them] from the beginning, as has been stated regarding that which you shall hear, if Allah—Exalted is He—wills.