التفسير التبليغي
(رُدُّوهَا عَلَيَّ فَطَفِقَ مَسْحاً بِالسُّوقِ وَالأَعْنَاقِ (33))
(رُدُّوهَا عَلَيَّ) The first time: a presentation and observation. The second time: observation and fondling.
(فَطَفِقَ مَسْحًا)... He began stroking their legs and their necks, as if he was recalling a blessing that had distracted him from the most important thing he should have been doing, which was standing before Allah. It is as if he was reminding himself that he should not be distracted by blessings from the Bestower of blessings.
(رُدُّوهَا عَلَيَّ) An order from him to return the horses to him so he could examine their condition.
(مَسْحًا بِالسُّوقِ وَالْأَعْنَاقِ): He stroked, meaning he fondled them, one hand on the neck and one hand on the leg.
(رُدُّوهَا عَلَيَّ فَطَفِقَ مَسْحًا بِالسُّوقِ وَالْأَعْنَاقِ) When they were returned to him, he quickly began to feel them with his hands, stroking their legs and necks.
It implies that whatever distracts a servant from the remembrance of his Lord, it is recommended for him to remove it.
It shows Sulaiman's swiftness and promptness in executing what he intended.
(فَطَفِقَ) So he began stroking, stroking their legs and necks gently and out of love for them.
The horses reminded him of jihad.
The noble steeds are present; but the rider is not...!!!
The noble steeds are present, but the rider is not...!
Because of his jihad-related emotions, he said: "I will go around to my hundred wives, and Allah will grant me from them a hundred riders who will strive in the way of Allah."
Because of his joy and jihad-related emotions, he forgot to say "if Allah wills," and thus he was tested.
Getting rid of everything that distracts you from establishing Allah's command.
Source: التفسير التبليغي