And when the decree was: they were in the abode of action. When it was said to them, 'Believe,' they would not believe. He then referred to his saying: 'And when it is said to them'—that is, to these criminals, from any speaker it may be—'Bow down'—that is, perform the prayer in which there is bowing. He referred to it by naming it after a part of it. He specified this part because it is said in submission and obedience, and because it is specific to the prayer of Muslims. Some of the Arabs turned away from the religion because of it, saying: 'I will not bow down because it involves, as they claimed, a display of humility, and that would be a disgrace.' Likewise, with prostration. It is said in the dictionary: 'Jabaa' means to place one's hands on one's knees or on the ground or to fall down on one's face. And 'the act of bowing' is to stand in the position of bowing. 'They do not bow down'—that is, they do not submit nor perform the prayer. Therefore, there was a warning for them. And in it is an indication that the command is for obligation, so that the one who neglects it deserves punishment, and that the disbelievers are addressed with the branches of the religion.