(And we know not whether) in preventing us from listening (harm is boded unto all who are in the earth, or whether their Lord intendeth guidance for them) or whether their Lord intends guidance, goodness and the correct course for them; it is also said that this means: we do not know whether evil is intended for the people of the earth by the advent of Muhammad (pbuh) such that if they do not believe in him they will be destroyed or it is good, guidance and the correct course that their Lord intends for them if they believe in him.