Tafsir of Al-Qasas 28:80

"And those who were given knowledge said..." (meaning knowledge of the states of the worldly life and the Hereafter as it behooves, among whom is Yusha’ [Joshua], peace be upon him). They were not described as desiring the reward of the Hereafter to alert [the reader] that knowledge of the states of both existences necessarily demands turning away from the former and turning toward the latter. Furthermore, the yearning of those who yearn is only due to their lack of knowledge of them [the states of both existences] as it behooves. It is said that "knowledge" means knowledge of reward and punishment; it is also said to mean knowledge of tawakkul (reliance upon God), or knowledge of the reports [of the past]. The first [interpretation] is the most worthy.

"Woe to you!" (Literally, an invocation of destruction, though it became commonly used as a rebuke for that which is not approved). The intent here is a rebuke against their yearning. It is in the accusative case as a verbal noun (masdar) for a verb implied by its meaning.

"The reward of Allah is better for those who believe and do righteous deeds." Thus, it is not fitting for you to yearn for other than it, not being satisfied with His reward—this is based on the view that those who were yearning were believers. Or [it means]: "So believe, that you may attain His reward, which is better than that [which you yearn for]." The implied object of comparison is "what you yearn for," as the context requires it. It is permissible to imply it generally, in which case what was mentioned is included as a primary entry; that is, "better than the world and all that is in it."

"And none shall be granted it"—that is, this statement or utterance which the scholars spoke. The intent here is the literal meaning, or the reward; the feminine pronoun [in the Arabic talqaha] is used because it refers to the meaning of mathuba (recompense) or jannah (paradise) understood from the concept of reward. It is also said that it refers to faith and righteous deeds, with the feminine and singular [pronoun] being used because they are understood as a "conduct" or "way." The meaning of "granting it" is either understanding it or being granted the success to act upon it.

"...except the patient," those who are patient in performing acts of obedience and patient in abstaining from sins and desires. Perhaps the intent by "the patient," according to the latter view regarding the pronoun's reference, is those who are characterized by patience in the knowledge of Allah Almighty. So, contemplate this.