and He would not have mentioned mankind and jinn in general. Yet the angels are not mentioned, even though the angels have rendered obedience and worship, unlike many among mankind and jinn.

Moreover, the context of the verse indicates that it censures and rebukes those among them who do not worship Allah, because Allah created them for a purpose, yet they did not fulfil the purpose for which they were created. Hence He followed it with His words:

“I do not want from them any provision, nor do I want them to feed Me.”

Affirming worship while denying this makes clear that He created them for worship, and did not want from them what masters want from their slaves: assistance through providing sustenance and food. Hence He subsequently said:

“Indeed, those who have wronged will have a share”—that is, a portion—“like the share of their counterparts”—meaning the earlier disbelievers. That is, a portion of the punishment. This is a threat against those among mankind and jinn who do not worship Him. He thus mentioned this threat immediately after this verse. From beginning to end, the surah contains a threat against those who do not worship Him.

He mentioned His punishment of them in this world and the Hereafter, saying at its beginning:

“By the winds scattering dust,”

up to His words:

“Indeed, what you are promised is true, and indeed, the Judgment will surely come to pass.”

Then He mentioned His words:

“Indeed, you are of differing opinions. Turned away from it is he who is turned away.”

Then He mentioned the threat of the Hereafter, saying:

“May the conjecturers be destroyed, those who are immersed in heedlessness and oblivious. They ask, ‘When is the Day of Judgment?’ It is the Day when they will be tormented over the Fire.”

Then He mentioned His promise to the believers, saying:

“Indeed, the righteous will be amid gardens and springs,”

up to His words:

“And on the earth are signs for those of sure faith, and in yourselves. Will you not then see? And in heaven is your provision and whatever you are promised. Then by the Lord of heaven and earth, it is certainly true, just as surely as you speak.”

Then He related the stories of those who believed and benefited from their faith, and those who disbelieved and whom He punished for their disbelief. He mentioned the story of Abraham, Lot and his people, and their punishment,