Tafsir of Al-Ma'aarij 70:5

Surah Al-Ma'arij (The Ascending Stairways): Verse 5

فاصبر صبرا جميلا

So be patient with beautiful patience.

The First Issue:

This command to be patient is connected to the preceding verse, "A questioner asked about a punishment to come." The disbelievers' hastening of the punishment was done in mockery of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and a denial of the revelation. This behavior naturally distressed the Messenger (PBUH), so he was commanded to be patient with it.

Similarly, those who ask, "For whom is this punishment?" do so out of obstinacy, as the Quraysh disbelievers did.

If one reads the verse as "A questioner asked" (Sā'ala sā'il), the meaning is: The punishment is imminent because its time has drawn near. Therefore, be patient, for the time of retribution has arrived.

The Second Issue:

Al-Kalbi said that this verse was revealed before the Messenger (PBUH) was commanded to fight.

إنهم يرونه بعيدا * ونراه قريبا

Indeed, they see it as distant, * But We see it as near.