(أَجَعَلْتُمْ سِقَايَةَ الْحَاجِّ وَعِمَارَةَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ…) (Have you made the providing of water for the pilgrim and the maintenance of al-Masjid al-Haram…): It is known that Quraish used to share the responsibilities related to the care of the Ka’ba and the pilgrims among its various clans; such as providing water for the pilgrims and maintaining the Ka’ba. Al-Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib was the one responsible for providing water for the pilgrims, which was a great honor at that time. As for the key to the Ka’ba, it was in the hands of Talhah ibn Shaibah.

The Reason for Revelation of this verse: This verse was revealed concerning Ali bin Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, as well as Al-Abbas and Talhah ibn Shaibah. Each of them was boasting about their virtues. Al-Abbas said, “I am the one who provides water (for the pilgrims),” and Talhah said, “I have the keys to the Ka’ba.” As for Ali, (may Allah be pleased with him), said, “I am the one engaged in jihad, and I prayed towards the Ka’ba six months before you.”

(…لَا يَسْتَوُونَ عِندَ اللَّهِ ۗ…) (They are not equal in the sight of Allah.): This meaning is reflected in this verse:

 وَمَا عِندَ اللَّهِ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ

(What is with Allah is better and more lasting) (Al-Qasas: 60)

However, what is with humans will never last.

(…وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ…) (And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.): Those are who prevent guidance from reaching themselves when they wronged people and wronged themselves.