Tafsir of Ash-Shu`ara' 26:90

This is linked by conjunction to "it will not avail." The use of the past tense here, and in the subsequent sentences organized along the same thread of conjunction, is to indicate the certainty of its occurrence and its establishment. Just as the present tense in the verb to which it is conjoined indicates continuity—and that verb is directed toward "benefit"—the speech indicates both the continuous negation of benefit and the continuity of the [coming events], according to what the context of intimidation requires.

It means: Paradise is brought near to those who have guarded themselves against disbelief. It is also said: [guarded themselves] against it and all other acts of disobedience, such that they witness it from the place of standing (al-mawqif) and perceive the various beauties contained within it, causing them to rejoice at the fact that they are the ones being gathered toward it.