'Abdullāh Ibn 'Abbās / Muḥammad al-Fīrūzabādī
تفسير : (and it was not (vouchsafed)) it was not permissible (to any mortal that allah should speak to him) directly without a veil (unless (it be) by revelation) in dream (or from behind a veil) as when he spoke with moses (pbuh) (or (that) he sendeth a messenger) i.e. gabriel, such as when he sent him to the prophet muhammad (pbuh) (to reveal what he will) of commands and prohibitions (by his leave) by his command. (lo! he is exalted) more exalted than all created beings, (wise) in his command and decree.
Jalāl al-Dīn al-Maḥallī
تفسير : and it is not [possible] for any human that god should speak to him except, that he should reveal to him, by revelation, in sleep or by inspiration, or, except, from behind a veil, where he makes the person able to hear his speech but without seeing him — as was the case with moses, peace be upon him; or, except, that he should send a messenger, an angel, such as gabriel, and he, the messenger, then reveals, to the person to whom he has been sent, that is to say, [and then] he speaks to him, with his permission, that is, god’s, whatever he, god, will. truly he is exalted, above the attributes of created beings, wise, in his actions.
Ali ibn Ahmad al-Wahidi
تفسير : (and it was not (vouchsafed) to any mortal that allah should speak to him unless (it be) by revelation or from behind a veil...) [42:51].
the jews said to the prophet, allah bless him and give him peace: “do you not speak [directly] with allah and look at him as did moses? this is if you are really a prophet. we will never believe in you until you do that”. he said: “moses did not look at allah, exalted is he”. then, allah, exalted is he, revealed this verse.
