Tafsir of Saba' 34:54

Surah Saba' (34): Verse 54

{وَحِيلَ بَيْنَهُمْ وَبَيْنَ مَا يَشْتَهُونَ}

Then the Almighty said: {And a barrier is placed between them and what they desire} (34:54).

This desire refers to their return to the worldly life, or perhaps their desire for the pleasures of this world.

Objection: If the desire is for returning to the world, how can this be correct when the Almighty also said: {as was done with their likes before; indeed, they were in a disturbing doubt} (34:54)? A barrier was placed between them and returning, so how can they desire it?

Response: Why do you assume that a barrier was not placed between them and returning? Indeed, whenever the Angel of Death comes to someone, they request a delay, and it is not granted. They wish to believe when despair becomes evident, but it is not accepted.

Regarding the word {مُرِيب} (murīb - disturbing/doubtful), it has two possible meanings:

1. That which possesses doubt (i.e., a doubt-filled state).
2. That which causes one to stand in doubt (i.e., something that induces doubt).

We will mention this further in another place, God willing.

And Allah knows best what is correct. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings upon the best of His creation, Muhammad the Prophet, his family, his companions, and all his wives.