and you left behind all that We bestowed upon you—of wealth, children, and servants—behind your backs in this world. “We do not see with you those intercessors of yours whom you claimed to be partners in your affairs.” This is because the idolaters claimed that they worshipped idols because they were Allah’s partners and their intercessors with Him.

“Indeed, all ties between you have now been severed.” The reciters of Madinah, al-Kisa’i, and Hafs from Asim recited this with the final nun in the accusative case, meaning: all bonds of connection between you have been severed; or, the matter between you has been cut off. The others recited “your ties” with the final nun in the nominative case, meaning: your bond has been severed. (1) This is like His saying: “And all ties between them will be cut off” (The Cow, 166)—that is, the bonds of connection. The word for “separation” is a contronym: it may mean connection, and it may mean estrangement. “And all that you used to claim has forsaken you.”