It was recited: Qanatu with a فتح النون and كسرها. And He spreads His mercy, meaning: the blessings of rain and its benefits, and what comes with it of fertility. And it was reported from Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, that it was said to him: The drought has intensified and the people have despaired. [This was narrated by Al-Thalabi through the chain of Qatadah, who said, 'It was mentioned to us,' and he mentioned it in full. And it was narrated briefly by Abdul Razzaq from Ma'mar from Qatadah, who said, 'It was mentioned to us that a man came to Umar ibn Al-Khattab and said: O Commander of the Faithful. The rain has ceased and the people have despaired. He said: Then let them rain.'] He meant this verse. And it is possible that he means His mercy in everything, as if he said: He sends down the mercy that is the rain, and spreads other than it from His vast mercy. The Guardian who takes care of His servants with His goodness, the Praiseworthy, who is praised for that by the people of His obedience.