Mention of the pious in this world – A sign of divine acceptance
The glad tidings of this world mean that people praise their piety, describe their greatness, speak highly of them and discuss their grandeur. In the hereafter, paradise and its bounties are for them. Thus, ‘Allama Abul Hasan ‘Ali Khazin (May Allah shower His mercy on him) writes in the exegesis of the aforementioned verse of the Holy Quran:
Translation: The glad tidings mentioned in the verse mean praise in this world and in the hereafter, it means paradise. (Tafseer Khazin, Surah Younus-64, Tafseer Nasafi, Surah Younus-64)
It is on this basis that the populace is devoted to the saints. They see their worship and worry about reforming their own lives. They talk about their greatness and grandeur. Please see the following Hadith from Sahih Muslim:
Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abudhar Ghifari (May Allah be well pleased with him), he says: The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was asked: What do you say about the person who performs good deeds and people praise him (or her) on that? The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: They are the glad tidings which a believer receives expeditiously. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 6891)
Imam Mohiuddin Nawawi (May Allah shower His mercy on him) writes:
Translation: The scholars have said that the glad tidings received expeditiously means the reward of their good deeds which is a sign of the happiness that they will receive in the hereafter. Thus Almighty Allah says: Surah Hadeed-12