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Explanatory Note
They must stand still the moment the order is issued, for an order given on that day is complied with immediately, without question. At this point the unbelievers do not speak. It is their claimed partners that speak to exonerate themselves from the crime committed by the unbelievers when they worshipped them in place of God, or in association with Him. They speak to make it clear that they were totally unaware of their being worshipped. As such, they have had no role in the crime. They appeal to God to be their witness. Thus is the status of those who were worshipped. They are weak, appealing to be exonerated of the sinful practices of their worshippers. They seek to be absolved of an offence in which they took no part, and want God to be their witness.