[3]. “A sincere footing” refers to the sending forth of good deeds. In this verse, it means that for the believers is a state of felicity already decreed by God and inscribed in the Preserved Tablet — a reward for the good they have sent ahead and for their faith in Muhammad (ﷺ), who guided them to the path leading to Paradise. They are thus securing for themselves a noble foundation and a firm standing for the life to come — the true, eternal life of the Hereafter.
This was revealed to address people’s astonishment that a human messenger — Muhammad (ﷺ) — could receive divine revelation. The disbelievers, however, rejected this truth and dismissed it as sorcery, out of arrogance and denial.
[4]. They could only rationalize the bewildering effect of the Message of Islam by saying that it bewitches people.
[5]. The sun is described as radiant, generating its own light, while the moon is a reflected light, drawing from the sun. Its phases allow humans to measure years and reckon time. This distinction reflects Allah’s perfect design and wisdom, and He makes such signs clear for those who seek knowledge, guiding them to understand His purpose and order in creation.