Who are those who almost became a compacted mass upon Abdullah, mentioned in Surat Al-Jinn: "And when the servant of Allah stood up to invoke Him, they well-nigh became a compacted mass upon him"?

The exegetes differed regarding the meaning of His, the Almighty’s, saying: (they almost became on him a compacted mass) [Qur’an 72:19], on three opinions:

1. That it is a report about the condition of thea jinn, their crowding upon the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to hear the Qur’an. 2. That it is from the jinn’s saying to their people, describing the obedience of the Prophet’s companions, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and their following him in prayer. 3. That the meaning is that humans and jinn gathered and banded together against the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to invalidate the truth he brought.

Ibn Jarir and Ibn Kathir favored the third meaning, citing as evidence His, the Almighty’s, saying immediately after: (Say: "Indeed, I only invoke my Lord and do not associate with Him anyone.") [Qur’an 72:20], which indicates that the Messenger said that when they gathered in hostility to invalidate his call.