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while being (thumma kāna is a supplement to iqtahama, 'he assaulted'; thumma is for the ordering of things to be mentioned) in other words, [what is meant is that] at the point of the assault he was: one of those who believe and enjoin one another to steadfastness, in [pursuing] obedience and in refraining from disobedience, and enjoin one another to compassion (al-marhamah means rahma), towards creatures.