Tafsir of Al-`Alaq 96:17

The nadi (assembly) is the gathering place where a people convene, meaning they meet there for discourse. It is pluralized as andiya. The phrasing implies the omission of an added term, meaning "let him call the people of his assembly." Alternatively, the attribution is metaphorical, or the name of the place is applied to those who inhabit it. Similar to this is "the council" and its likes, as Jarir or Dhu al-Rummah said:

"They possess a council of fair-mustachioed men, lowly, Equal in status, both their free men and their slaves."

And Zuhayr said:

"Among them are noble stations, their faces radiant, And assemblies frequented by speech and action."

This is an allusion to what is authentically reported: that Abu Jahl passed by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah exalt him and grant him peace) while he was praying, and said, "Did I not forbid you?" The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) spoke harshly to him. He then replied, "Do you threaten me, when I am the most numerous of the valley in terms of assembly?" The command here, according to what is stated in al-Bahr, is for the purpose of incapacitation and an indication that he is not capable of anything.