then He said:

“And We left therein a sign for those who fear the painful punishment.”

“And in Moses, when We sent him to Pharaoh with clear authority.”

That is, the story of Moses also contains a sign. This is the view of the majority; some, such as Abu al-Faraj, mention no other interpretation. It has also been said that “And in Moses” is coordinated with His words:

“And on the earth are signs for those of sure faith.”

This interpretation is weak, because the accounts of Pharaoh and ʿĀd are of the same kind as that of the people of Lot: they mention the prophets, those who followed them, and those who opposed them. These accounts establish prophethood and demonstrate the ultimate fate of the obedient and the disobedient. As for His words, “And on the earth” and “And in yourselves,” those are signs pointing to the Maker—majestic is His glory—and they have already been mentioned.

Furthermore, a coordinated phrase is not separated from the phrase to which it is joined by such a lengthy passage. Moreover, the preceding statement is unsuitable as the phrase to which it is joined, namely His words:

“And We left therein a sign for those who fear the painful punishment.”

Then He said:

“And in ʿĀd.”

“And in Thamūd.”

Then He mentioned that He built heaven with strength, spread out the earth, and created pairs of all things so that you might take heed. Having explained the signs indicating the obligation to believe and worship Him, He commanded this, saying:

“So flee to Allah. Indeed, I am a clear warner to you from Him.”

“And do not set up another god alongside Allah”—to the end of the verse.

Then He explained that these deniers are like those who preceded them, so that the Messenger and the believers might take comfort in their example and patiently endure the harm inflicted on them by the disbelievers. He said:

“Likewise, no messenger came to those before them without their saying, ‘A magician or a madman!’”

“Did they pass this saying down to one another? Rather, they are a transgressing people.”

All of this entails commanding mankind and jinn to worship Him, obey Him, and obey His messengers, and that those who act deserve punishment in this world and the Hereafter. Thus, when He says thereafter:

“And I did not create