Tafsir of Ash-Shu`ara' 26:72

{ هل يسمعونكم } It is necessary to assume the omission of a genitive addition (muḍāf) here. The meaning is: "Do they hear your supplication (duʿāʾakum)?"

Qatada recited it as: "Do they hear you?" meaning: Do they hear you [giving] an answer to your supplication? And are they capable of that?

It is expressed in the imperfect tense (muḍāriʿ), despite being placed within the context of idh (referring to the past), to depict the past state. The meaning is: Bring to mind the past states in which you used to call upon them, and say: "Have they ever heard or caused [anyone] to hear at all?" This is more effective in rebuking them.

{ They said, "Rather, we found our fathers doing likewise." }

{ He said, "Then have you considered what you have been worshipping, you and your ancient forefathers? Indeed, they are enemies to me, except the Lord of the worlds, who created me, and He [it is who] guides me. And it is He who feeds me and gives me drink. And when I am ill, it is He who cures me. And who will cause me to die and then bring me to life. And who I hope will forgive me my sin on the Day of Recompense." }