(But he did not believe, nor did he pray), meaning: he did not believe and he did not pray.

Yahya said: This was revealed regarding Abu Jahl.

Muhammad said: It is part of the speech of the Arabs to say "la fa'ala" (he did not do), meaning "lam yaf'al" (he did not do). The poet said:

(And what evil deed did he not do...)

He meant: He did not do it.