The 'waw' in 'Auwalam yahdi' is for conjunction with an implied subject of the same kind as the conjunction. The pronoun in 'lahum' refers to the people of Mecca. It has been recited with 'nun' and 'ya', and the subject is what is indicated by 'kam ahlakna' because 'kam' does not serve as a subject. It is not said: 'came to me kam man'. Its meaning is: or has He not guided them by the multitude of our destruction of the nations. Or this statement is as it is in its content and meaning, like saying: 'la ilaha illa Allah' protects blood and wealth. It is also possible that it contains the pronoun for Allah, as indicated by the reading with 'nun'. The 'nations' refer to 'Aad', 'Thamud', and the people of Lot, who walk in their dwellings, meaning the people of Mecca, passing through their markets and lands. It has been recited: 'yamshoon' with emphasis.