Nerâ is interpreted in four ways:
1. Yerâ is used in the sense of knowing, as in the following verses:
Those who were given knowledge see (that is, know) that... (Sabaʾ 34:6)
So judge between the people by what Allah has shown you (that is, what Allah has taught/informed you in the Qur'an)... (al-Nisāʾ 4:105)
And show us our rites (that is, teach/inform us)! (al-Baqara 2:128)
Do you not see (that is, do you not know) how Allah created seven heavens in layers? (Nūḥ 71:15)
Have those who disbelieved not seen (that is, not known) that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity... (al-Anbiyāʾ 21:30)
2. Yerâ is used in the sense of seeing with the eye, as in the following verses:
Whenever you look, then you look (that is, whenever you see with your eyes any part of Paradise and whoever is in it): bliss... (al-Insān 76:20)
When you see them (that is, when you see them with your eyes), their bodies will impress you. (al-Munāfiqūn 63:4)
You will see (that is, you will see with your eyes) the faces of those who lied against Allah blackened. (al-Zumar 39:60)
3. The phrase "alam tara" is used in the sense of "do you not consider their deeds?", as in the following verses:
Alam tara [do you not see] (that is, do you not consider their deeds) those who were given a portion of the Book: they believe in jibt and ṭāghūt. (al-Nisāʾ 4:51)
Alam tara [do you not see] (that is, do you not consider their deeds) those who claim to have believed in what was revealed to you and what was revealed before you, yet they wish to refer to judgment to ṭāghūt, though they were commanded to reject it. (al-Nisāʾ 4:60)
4. The phrase "alam tara" is used to inform the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about something from the past which he did not witness, as in the following verses:
Alam tara (that is, has it not been told to you about the tyrant Nimrod): who argued with Abraham about his Lord?! (al-Baqara 2:258)
Alam tara (that is, has it not been told to you): what your Lord did to the companions of the elephant?! (al-Fīl 105:1)
Fa-tarā: that people, there, fallen to the ground... (al-Ḥāqqa 69:7)
With this expression, it informs about their situation.
Alam tara (that is, has it not been told to you): what your Lord did to ʿĀd—to Iram of the lofty pillars?! (al-Fajr 89:6-7)
With this command, the Exalted Allah informs how He punished them with the storm.