Tafsir of Ash-Shu`ara' 26:105

The word "people" (al-qawm), as stated in al-Misbah, can be used as masculine or feminine, as is the case with every collective noun that has no singular form derived from its own root, such as "group" (raht) and "party" (nafar). For this reason, its diminutive form is "little group" (guwaymah). It has been said: It is masculine, and the feminine signifier was attached to its verb due to the intention of denoting a "nation" or "body" by it.

Their denial of the messengers is based on the consensus of all [messengers] regarding monotheism and the fundamental principles of religious laws, which do not differ with the variation of times and eras. It is also permitted that by "the messengers," Noah—peace be upon him—is intended, by making the definite article (al) signify the genus (i.e., the representative of the species). This is analogous to saying: "So-and-so rides beasts and wears garments," while he possesses only one beast and one garment. As for "when" (idh) in His saying—Exalted is He—...