{And We did not create the heaven and the earth and whatever is between them in play}

(Meaning: We did not fashion this raised canopy, this laid-out expanse, and the various species of creatures between them—which are charged with kinds of marvels and wonders—the way tyrants fashion their ceilings, furnishings, and other decorations for the sake of amusement and play. Rather, We fashioned them for religious benefits and Lordly wisdoms, such as being a cause for contemplation and a proof for knowledge, along with countless benefits and inexhaustible purposes.

The sum of it is: We did not create that devoid of wisdom and interests. However, He expressed this as "play"—which, as Al-Raghib said, is "an action that does not intend a correct purpose"—to declare His perfection, Exalted is He, as being above creation void of wisdom, by depicting it in the form of something that no one would doubt the impossibility of its proceeding from Him, Glorified be He.

This statement, as it has been said, is a summary indication that the formation of the world and the creation of the sons of Adam are founded upon the principles of profound wisdom that result in exalted ends. It is also an alerting that the punishment recounted as having descended upon the people of the towns is among the requirements of that wisdom and its derivatives, according to what their deeds necessitated, while transitioning to a threat against those addressed.

In al-Kashshaf, it is mentioned that the verses are for establishing the matter of prophethood and negating those previous objections, contrary to what the Imam [Al-Razi] mentioned. This is the truth, for it has been repeated in the Noble Book that the wisdom in creating the heaven, the earth, and what is between them is worship, knowledge, and the recompense for those who performed them and those who did not. This can only be completed by sending down Books and dispatching Messengers (peace be upon them). Therefore, the denier of the Message makes the creation of the heaven and earth "play"—Exalted is their Creator, and the Creator of all things, far above that and far above every deficiency. Furthermore, the denier of the prophethood of Muhammad (may Allah exalt him and grant him peace) makes the manifestation of miracles at his hands a matter of futility and play. Thus, in [this verse] is the establishment of his prophethood (upon him be prayer and peace) and the invalidation of all those objections.)