to a station that is due to none but Allah alone.

Relevance of the verse to the chapter: It contains an unqualified prohibition of ghulūw (excess), and thus covers excess in regard to the righteous as well. Although the address is directed to the People of the Book, it is, in fact, universal, warning the entire ummah not to treat their Prophet and their saints as the Christians treated the Messiah or the Jews treated ‘Uzayr.

Lessons drawn from the verse:

1. The absolute prohibition of exaggeration concerning persons, deeds, and all else.
2. A rebuttal of the Jews, the Christians, and all who resemble them in their excess toward persons, deeds, and the like.
3. An exhortation to adhere to moderation in religion and in every matter, avoiding both excess and negligence.
4. A warning against polytheism and against every cause and pathway that leads to it.