Tafsir of Ar-Rahman 55:33

(O company of jinn and mankind) They are the two "heavy" classes (al-thaqalan). They were addressed by their generic names to increase emphasis, and because the jinn are renowned for their ability to perform arduous tasks; thus, they were addressed in a manner that indicates this, to clarify that their capability is insufficient for what they have been tasked with. It is as if, when He, Glory be to Him, mentioned that He is the inevitable recompenser of His servants, He followed that up, Mighty and Majestic is He, by declaring that they possess no power to escape His recompense and punishment if He wills it. Thus, He, Glory be to Him, said: (If you are able), meaning: If you are capable. The root of istita'ah (ability) is the seeking of the compliance of an action and its feasibility.

(To pass beyond the regions of the heavens and the earth), meaning: To exit from the sides of the heavens and the earth, fleeing from Allah, the Exalted, and escaping His decree, Glory be to Him. (Then pass beyond!), meaning: Then exit from them and deliver yourselves from His punishment, Mighty and Majestic is He. The imperative here is for the purpose of demonstrating incapacity. (You will not pass), meaning: You are unable to pass (except by authority).

This means: by power and overcoming, and you are far removed from that—by a thousand thousand degrees. It is narrated that the angels, upon them be peace, will descend on the Day of Resurrection and encompass all of creation. When the jinn and mankind see them, they will flee, but they will not approach any direction without finding that the angels have surrounded it.

It is also said that this is a matter that will occur in this world. Al-Dahhak said: While people are in their marketplaces, the heaven will open, and the angels will descend, causing the jinn and mankind to flee, and the angels will surround them; this will be shortly before the establishment of the Hour.

It is also said: The meaning is, if you are able to flee from death, then flee. It is also said: The meaning is, if you are able to pass beyond to know what is in the heavens and the earth, then pass beyond to know—but (you will not pass) and you will not know except by a proof and an argument that Allah, the Exalted, has set up, which you may ascend upon with your intellects. Something similar to this has been narrated from Ibn Abbas, and that which is most appropriate for the context is not hidden.

Zayd ibn Ali read it as: In istata'tuma (If you [two] are able), in consideration of the two types, even if under each are many individuals. The plural form is used in consideration of that plurality, and both have come in eloquent speech, such as His saying, Exalted is He: "And if two factions among the believers fight, then make settlement between them."