On this latter interpretation, the enmity mentioned is between those commanded to descend—Adam and Iblīs—and the meaning is clear.

As for the first interpretation—that the pronoun refers to Adam and his wife—the verse would encompass two matters:

First: Allah Most High’s command to Adam and his wife to descend.

Second: His declaration of enmity between Adam and his wife on one side and Iblīs on the other. This is why He uses a plural pronoun in the second statement, but not the first. Iblīs must certainly be included in this enmity, as Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, this is an enemy to you and to your wife.” (20:117)

And He says to Adam’s descendants:

“Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you, so take him as an enemy.”

Consider how all the passages mentioning enmity consistently use the plural pronoun rather than the dual. The command to descend, however, is sometimes expressed in the plural, sometimes in the dual, and sometimes in the singular, as in His words in Surah al-A‘rāf: “He said, ‘Go down, all of you,’” and likewise in Surah Sād; this addresses Iblīs alone. Wherever the plural form occurs, it addresses Adam, his wife, and Iblīs, since the account revolves around them. Wherever the dual form occurs, it may address Adam and his wife, since they were the two who actually ate from the tree and committed the disobedience. Alternatively, it may address Adam and Iblīs, since they are the two forefathers of mankind and the jinn, the progenitors of their descendants. Their circumstances and ultimate fate are thus related as an admonition and a lesson for their offspring. I have already related both interpretations.

What makes it clear that the pronoun in His words, “Go down from it, both of you together,” refers to Adam and Iblīs is that, when Allah, glorified is He, mentioned the disobedience, He singled out Adam rather than his wife. He said:

“Adam disobeyed his Lord and went astray. Then his Lord chose him, accepted his repentance, and guided him. He said, ‘Go down from it, both of you together.’”

This indicates that those addressed by the command to descend are Adam and Iblīs, who made disobedience seem appealing to him. His wife was included with him. For the purpose is for Allah Most High to inform mankind and the jinn of the evil consequences that befell their two forefathers through disobedience and violation of His command. Thus, mentioning their two forefathers