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Those whom they call, gods, [they themselves] seek a means to their Rabb, [they seek] nearness, by way of obedience, which of them (ayyuhum substitutes for the [third person indicator] wāw of [the verb] yabtaghūna, 'they seek') in other words, [even] he seeks it [this nearness] the one who, is nearer, to Him, so how [much more] is it [sought] in the case of others?⁸; and they hope for His mercy and fear His chastisement, just like others, so how can you call them gods? Truly your Rabb's chastisement is a thing to beware of.