Tafsir of Ash-Shu`ara' 26:24

[Verse 24] “He said: ‘The Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, if you were to be certain.’”

If you ask: How is it said “and whatever is between them” (wa-mā baynahumā) using the dual form, when the things referred to (the heavens and the earth) are a collective plurality?

I say: It is intended to mean “between the two categories.” The pronoun is treated as the noun would be treated, as in the poet’s saying: “In the heat of battle, two camels...” (referring to the species).

If you ask: What is the meaning of His saying “if you were to be certain” (in kuntum mūqinīn), and where is the certainty from Pharaoh and his assembly?

I say: Its meaning is: If the certainty that leads to sound reasoning is to be hoped for from you, then this answer will benefit you; otherwise, it will not. Or, it means: If you are certain of anything at all, then this is the most worthy thing for you to be certain of, due to its clarity and the brilliance of its evidence.

[Verses 25–28] “He said to those around him: ‘Do you not listen?’ He said: ‘Your Lord and the Lord of your first forefathers.’ He said: ‘Indeed, your messenger who has been sent to you is mad.’ He said: ‘The Lord of the East and the West and whatever is between them, if you were to use your reason.’”