Tafsir of At-Tur 52:38

"Or do they have a ladder" — which is that by which one reaches high places; it is derived from al-salamah (safety), and then the name was applied to everything by which one reaches something elevated, such as a means. That is, do they have a ladder set up to the heaven?

"Whereon they listen" — meaning, while ascending it, with the prepositional phrase being linked to a specific implied state (hal), and the circumstantial usage is in its literal sense. It has also been said: it is linked to "listen," implying the meaning of "ascending."

Abu Hayyan said: That is, they listen upon it or from it, as prepositions sometimes substitute for one another. The object of "listen" is omitted, meaning: the speech of Allah Almighty. It is said: even if it were treated as an intransitive verb, it would be permissible.

"Then let their listener bring a clear authority" — meaning, a clear proof that verifies his listening.