Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. It was revealed in the context of the Romans. They assisted Nebuchadnezzar in the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem because the Israelites killed Yaḥyā ibn Zakariyyā (John the Baptist), leading to its destruction and the placing of corpses within it. [Ibn ʿAbbās and others]*
2. It was revealed about the polytheists who prevented the Messenger of Allah ﷺ from entering Makkah on the day of Hudaybiyyah. [Ibn Zayd]
*(Ed: Some narrations conflict with generally accepted facts concerning the first and second destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The temple was destroyed in 586 BCE by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. It was destroyed again by the Romans under General (later Emperor) Titus in 70 CE during the Jewish Revolt.)

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "*Zād al-Masīr*" as follows:

1. It refers to their physical destruction.
2. It refers to preventing the mention of *Allah* therein.

What is meant by "ruin of the houses of worship" (*masājid*)?

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. It is an account of their condition thereafter. According to al-Suddī, no Roman enters the Temple of Jerusalem except in fear of being killed or having to pay the *jizya* (poll tax).
2. It implies a command although it is expressed as an informative statement. The implication is that you should strive in fighting against them so that none of them enters it except in fear.

What is the meaning of "They could not enter them except in fear"?

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. Their disgrace is having to pay the *jizyah* (poll tax). [Ibn ʿAbbās]
2. Their disgrace is the conquest of Constantinople. [Al-Suddī]
3. Their disgrace is their expulsion from the Sacred Mosque (*al-Masjid al-Ḥarām*), such that no polytheist will ever be able to enter it openly. [Ibn Zayd]