And when this which has preceded is all a question, and an answer, and a report, praise be to Allah (the Most High) and thanks to Him for what He is worthy of; by glorifying Him; and acknowledging His right; and bearing witness to Him with knowledge of the hidden; and power; and wisdom; and other than that from the attributes of majesty; and beauty; and this question indicates the intention of punishment for those being asked about; pointing to intercession for them in the manner of praise to Allah - glorified and exalted is He - and beautiful praise of Him; because punishment - even for the obedient - is justice; and pardon for the disobedient - for any sin it may be - is absolute grace; and forgiveness of polytheism is not inherently impossible; He said: "If You punish them"; meaning: those who say this saying; "then indeed they are Your servants"; meaning: You are deserving of having mercy on them; and there is no objection against You in their punishment; because all of Your judgment is justice; "and if You forgive them"; meaning: You erase their sins in essence; and effect; "then indeed You are"; meaning: especially You; "the Mighty"; so no one can object against You; nor attribute to You any weakness; "the Wise"; so You do not do anything except in the highest degree of wisdom; no one has the power to follow up on it; nor to object to anything from it.