Tafsir of Ash-Shu`ara' 26:123

"In every high place" (bi-kulli rīʿin): It is read with both a kasra and a fatḥa [on the rāʾ]. It refers to an elevated place. Al-Musayyab ibn ʿAlas said:

A high place appearing as if it were a striped garment.

From this comes the saying: "How much is the rīʿ of your land?" meaning its elevation.

"A sign" (ʿalaman): They were among those who used to be guided by the stars in their travels. Yet, they built tall markers along their paths in vain, for they were already independent of them due to the stars.

Mujahid said: "In every high place" means pigeon towers.

"Fortresses" (al-maṣāniʿ): These are water reservoirs. It is also said they are constructed palaces and strongholds.

"That you might live forever" (laʿallakum takhludūn): You hope for immortality in this world, or your state resembles the state of one who will live forever. In the ḥarf (variant reading) of Ubayy, it is "as if you" (ka-annakum). It is also read tukhallidūn (with a ḍamma on the tāʾ, both light and emphasized).

"And when you strike" (wa-idhā baṭashtum): With a whip or a sword, it is an act of oppression and tyranny. It is said: The tyrant (jabbār) is one who kills and strikes out of anger.

Al-Hasan said: You hasten to inflict punishment without pausing to reflect on the consequences.

"And fear Him who has provided you with what you know. He has provided you with livestock and children, and gardens and springs. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a Great Day."