al-Mashy is interpreted in four senses:
1. al-Mashy means to continue, to roam, to go back and forth; as in the following verses:
I have given them light! In it they mashī {that is, they continue and go forth in it}. (al-Baqara 2:20)
So walk mashī on its shoulders {that is, roam, go back and forth}. (al-Mulk 67:15)
2. By al-Mashy, hudā (guidance) is intended; as in the following verses:
Is one to whom We have given a light by which he mashī among the people {that is, by which he attains hudā (guidance) through iman (faith)}... (al-Anʿām 6:122)
So that He may make for you a light by which you mashī {that is, by which you attain hudā (guidance) through iman (faith)}. (al-Ḥadīd 57:28)
3. al-Mashy is used in the sense of passing, passing by; as in the following verses:
Did We not destroy before them {that is, the Meccans} many generations, which guided them {that is, the Meccans}, so that they mashī in their {that is, the destroyed people's} dwellings {that is, they pass through their towns}? (al-Sajda 32:26)
Did We not destroy before them {that is, the Meccans} many generations, which guided them {that is, the Meccans}, so that they mashī in their {that is, the destroyed people's} dwellings {that is, they pass through their towns}? (Ṭā-Hā 20:128)
4. al-Mashy is used in the sense of literally walking; as in the following verses:
If there were angels mutmain mashī on the earth {that is, residing and walking}... (al-Isrāʾ 17:95)
What kind of Messenger is this who eats food and mashī in the markets {that is, walks/roams}?! (al-Furqān 25:7)
The servants of the Most Merciful mashī upon the earth with humility and gentleness {that is, they walk}. (al-Furqān 25:63)