What is the interpretation of verses (33), (34), and (35) of Surat Az-Zukhruf, and what is the admonition derived from them? Are they a response to the question, "Why does the disbeliever live in bliss while the Muslim lives in distress and hardship?" And are they related to the story of Qarun? Is there a reason for their revelation?

Based on verses 33-35 of Surat Az-Zukhruf, Ibn Kathir explains that if Allah had willed, He would have made the houses of the disbelievers of silver and adornments, were it not for His fear that people might believe that financial bestowal is a sign of divine love, leading them to unite in disbelief. These verses condemn worldly life, clarifying that it holds no value in the sight of Allah, and that the Hereafter is better for the righteous.

The lesson from these verses is that the worldly life is insignificant in the sight of Allah, and He may grant it to disbelievers due to its worthlessness and their worthlessness. A Muslim, when in hardship, should not grieve, for Allah gives worldly life to those He loves and those He does not love, but He grants faith only to those He loves. Worldly life is for the disbelievers, and the Hereafter is for the righteous.

There is no specific occasion for the revelation of these verses, but they are part of verses that condemn worldly life and encourage focus on the Hereafter. The story of Qarun serves as a practical example of this, demonstrating that when worldly life opens up, it corrupts its people and distracts them from obedience to Allah, thus urging asceticism towards it and desire for the Hereafter.