Here I add to my thoughts on the number 19 mathematical phenomenon which was the focus of Rashad Khalifa and is that of many of his followers.
The expression the companions of the fire occurs a total of 20 times (2:39, 2:81, 2:217, 2:257, 2:275, 3:116, 5:29, 7:36, 7:44, 7:47, 7:50, 10:27, 13:5, 39:8, 40:6, 40:43, 58:17, 59:20, 64:10, 74:31)
In all cases outside of the one under discussion at 74:31 it unquestionably references those who are to suffer in Hell. In the absence of explicit, incontrovertible evidence to the contrary, a reasonable man must assume that what is meant in each of the remaining 19 instances is what is meant here also; this simple process of analysis also, incidentally, provides us with a reasonable answer to what is referenced by the number 19 here (which itself has served as the catalyst for so much generative and speculative output of a mathematical nature beginning with Rashad Khalifa) – i.e. all the other cases of the companions of the fire; thus, the cardinal number found here at 74:30 merely indicates the number of the remaining cases of the companions of the fire all of which precede this one in the text, and acts as a parity bit by means of which we receive a proof point supportive of the Qur’an’s claim to be complete, preserved and in the correct order – something which Rashid Khalifa in part, in effect, was compelled to dispute in order to attempt to bend the facts to his theories.
You can find my original talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JXT_h8qgBA
Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqROgVn3Vbw