Al-Rahman: (33) O assembly of Jinn...

There are several issues concerning this verse:

Issue 1: The Wisdom of the Ordering and Its Elegance

When Allah Almighty said, {We shall summon you, O two weighty ones} (Al-Rahman: 31), and we explained that He had no occupation preventing Him from doing so, it is as if someone asked: Why the delay if there was no obstacle?

The answer is that the one who hastens does so either out of fear that the matter will be missed by delay, or out of immediate need, or merely by choice and will for delay.

Allah clarified the absence of need by saying: {Everyone upon it will perish * And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor} (Al-Rahman: 26-27). That which remains after the annihilation of everything needs nothing. Thus, the fear of the matter being missed is negated.

He also stated that they cannot escape, nor can they exit the heavens and the earth. If they could exit them, they would still not exit the dominion of Allah. He will seize them wherever they are and however they are.

Issue 2: The Meaning of "Assembly" (Ma‘shar)

Al-Ma‘shar means a great assembly or multitude. Its precise meaning is a complete, large number beyond which counting requires restarting with a new unit (e.g., eleven, twelve, twenty, thirty—meaning three tens). Thus, Al-Ma‘shar is as if it is the locus of the 'ten' (‘ashr), which signifies complete multitude.

Issue 3: Is This Address in This World or the Hereafter?

We say: The apparent meaning suggests it is in the Hereafter. The Jinn and humankind will seek to flee from the punishment and will find seven ranks of angels surrounding the horizons of the heavens and the earth.

However, the preferred view is that it is general, meaning: There is no escape or exit from the dominion of Allah. Wherever you turn, there is the dominion of Allah, and wherever you are, the judgment of Allah will reach you.

Issue 4: The Wisdom in Mentioning Jinn Before Humans Here, While Humans are Mentioned Before Jinn in {Say, "If mankind and the jinn were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like of it"} (Al-Isra: 88)?

We say: Exiting the horizons of the heavens and the earth is more fitting for the Jinn (if it were possible). Producing the like of the Qur'an is more fitting for humankind (if it were possible). Therefore, in each instance, the group presumed capable of that action is mentioned first.

Issue 5: What is the Meaning of: {You will not penetrate them except with authority (Sultān)}?

This bears several interpretations:

1. Contrast: It serves as a clarification contrary to what preceded. Meaning: You will not penetrate, and if you do penetrate, you will not do so except with power, and you possess no power for that.
2. Conditionality: Assuming the first action (penetration) occurs, it explains that it will not benefit them. The meaning is: Even if you penetrate, you will not penetrate except with an authority from Allah accompanying you. This is like saying, "The people went out with their families," meaning accompanied by them.
3. Defining the Goal: The intended meaning of "penetration" (nufūdh) is sought. Since their penetration refers to seeking their escape, the verse means: You will not escape from the horizons of the heavens (i.e., you will not be saved from punishment, nor will you find what you seek of escape) except with an authority from Allah who grants you refuge; otherwise, there is no refuge for you. This is like saying, "Crying will not benefit you unless you are sincere," meaning sincerity alone benefits you, not that if you are sincere, crying will benefit you.
4. Affirming Monotheism: This points to establishing Tawhid (Oneness of God). The meaning is as if Allah is saying: O heedless one, you cannot escape with your intellect from the horizons of the heavens and the earth; you constantly witness a sign of His Oneness. Then, suppose you could penetrate the horizons of the heavens and the earth; know that you will not penetrate except with an authority (Sultān) you find outside the heavens and the earth, which is a decisive proof of His Oneness. And that Sultān is complete power.

Then Allah Almighty said:

{He will send against you both a flame of fire and smoke, and you will not be victorious. * Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?}