Tafsir of Al-`Ankabut 29:23

{In the signs of Allah} Meaning: His proofs of His Oneness, His scriptures, His miracles, the meeting with Him, and the Resurrection.

{They have despaired of My mercy} This is a threat. It means they will despair on the Day of Resurrection, as in His saying: "And the day the Hour is established, the criminals will be in despair" (Ar-Rum: 12).

Alternatively, it is a description of their state; for the believer is always hopeful and fearful, whereas the disbeliever does not let hope or fear cross his mind. Or, it likens their state—regarding the absence of mercy for them—to the state of one who has despaired of mercy.

Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Allah condemned a people who were insignificant to Him, saying: {Those have despaired of My mercy}. He also said: {"O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and despair not of the mercy of Allah"} (Yusuf: 87).

Therefore, it is incumbent upon the believer not to despair of the relief of Allah nor of His mercy, and not to feel secure from His punishment and retribution. The attribute of the believer is to be hopeful of Allah (Mighty and Majestic is He) and fearful [of Him].

{And the answer of his people was not but that they said, "Kill him or burn him," but Allah saved him from the fire. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.}