Tafsir of Al-Mu'minoon 23:81

"Nay, they said the like..."

Meaning: The people of Mecca said exactly what the disbelievers before them said.

Al-Asatir (legends/fables) is the plural of astar, which is the plural of satar (line/writing). Ru'bah said: "Indeed, I and lines that were written as a line..."

It refers to what the ancients wrote that has no basis in truth. The plural usturah (fables) is more appropriate [in this context].

"Say: 'To whom belongs the earth and whoever is in it, if you know?' They will say: 'To Allah.' Say: 'Will you not then remember?'

Say: 'Who is the Lord of the seven heavens and the Lord of the Great Throne?' They will say: '[They belong] to Allah.' Say: 'Will you not then fear Him?'

Say: 'In whose hand is the dominion of all things, and He protects while none can protect against Him, if you know?' They will say: '[It belongs] to Allah.' Say: 'How then are you deluded?'"