“in the earth,” such as the nāfiqāʾ of the jerboa, which is one of its two burrows and into which it retreats; “or a ladder”—that is, steps and a means of ascent—“into the sky,” by which you might ascend; “and bring them a sign”—then do so.

“Had Allah willed, He would have gathered them all upon guidance,” and they would all have believed. “So do not be among the ignorant”—that is, do not be ignorant of this matter: “Had Allah willed, He would have gathered them all upon guidance,” and that whoever disbelieves does so in accordance with Allah’s prior knowledge concerning him.