Qatada said: Allah ordered that a group (ta'ifah) of the believers witness their punishment, meaning: a number of the Muslims, so that it may be a warning, a lesson, and a deterrent.

Ibn Kathir said: That is not for the sake of public scandal; it is only so that Allah—the Almighty—may be invoked for them for repentance and mercy.

2520: 14107: And mercy: 1: Tafsir Ibn Kathir: (3/262).

: 14108: The believers: 2: See, Tafsir al-Qurtubi: (7/4558-4559).

: 14114: Or more: 3: It was narrated from Hudhayfah—may Allah be pleased with him—that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "O people, fear adultery, for it contains six characteristics: three in this world and three in the Hereafter. As for those in this world: it removes splendor, bequeaths poverty, and shortens life. As for those in the Hereafter: it incurs [Allah's] wrath, an evil reckoning, and eternity in the Fire."

See, Tafsir al-Qurtubi: (7/4559).

2521: 14115: Or more: 1: It was narrated from Anas that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "The deeds of my nation are presented to me every Friday twice, and Allah's anger intensifies against the adulterers."

Al-Qurtubi (7/4559), al-Bukhari in "Al-Adab al-Mufrad" (61), and al-Kanz (6973).

: 14119: The Muslims: 2: Tafsir 'Abd al-Razzaq: (2/43).

2522: 14121: That: 1: Tafsir al-Thawri (p/121), and Ibn Kathir said: "This is an authentic chain of narration (isnad)." See, al-Tafsir: (6/7).

: 14127: The believers: 2: The statement of the Almighty: "And that has been made unlawful to the believers," meaning: the marriage of those prostitutes. Some of the interpreters claim...