And when He indicated - glorified and exalted is He - by naming their words this as a question; it means that their intent was: 'Are you able to provide us with anything; or are you carrying for us a part of the punishment?' And it was as if it was said: 'What did the leaders respond after this statement from the followers?' It was said: 'They said: Indeed not;' meaning: their disbelief was not a reason; rather, 'You were not believers;' meaning: you were not deeply rooted in this description by your nature; therefore, you followed us in what we commanded you; because it was in your disposition; and this is evidence that whoever is not firmly established in faith was among them.