Tafsir of Al-Haqqah 69:9

{And those before him} He means: those who were with him from among his followers. It is also recited as: (wa-man qablahu), meaning: those who preceded him. The first reading is supported by the recitation of ‘Abd Allāh and Ubayy: (wa-man ma‘ahu) [and those with him], and the recitation of Abū Mūsā: (wa-min tilqā’ihi) [and those from his direction].

{And the overturned cities} The people of Lot.

{With the sinful act} With error, or with the deed, or the deeds that possess great sin.

{Excessive} Severe, increasing in severity, just as their abominations increased in ugliness. It is said: "The thing rabā (grew/increased), yarbū (it increases)," if it increases. [As in the verse]: {That it may increase in the wealth of the people} (Ar-Rūm: 39).

{Indeed, when the water overflowed, We carried you in the sailing ship, that We might make it for you a reminder, and that a conscious ear might retain it.}