Tafsir of Ash-Shu`ara' 26:34

(He said to the assembly around him) — the word "assembly" (al-mala') refers to the notables of his people. "Around him" (hawlahu) is in the accusative case, functioning as an adverb of place; it is a fixed adverbial expression serving as a circumstantial qualifier (hal), meaning: "those who were settled around him." It is also permitted that it be in the position of an adjective for "the assembly," similar to the line:

And I pass by the base man who insults me

However, the first interpretation is simpler and more appropriate. Among the curious views is what Abu Hayyan narrated from the Kufans: they consider "the assembly" (al-mala') a relative pronoun (ism mawsul), and "around him" as linked to an omitted predicate serving as the relative clause, as if it were said: "He said to those who settled around him..."

(Indeed, this is a learned magician) — one who excels in the science of magic.