(فمن تولى)
i.e., whoever turns away from believing in Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention and grant him peace, and from supporting him, as was said by Ali, may Allah honor his countenance.
(بعد ذلك)
i.e., after that covenant, acknowledgment, and confirmation through testimony.
(فأولئك)
This is a reference to "whoever" (*man*), observing its meaning just as its wording was observed before.
(هم الفاسقون)
i.e., those who depart through disbelief into its most heinous levels. It is well-known that the Prophets, peace and blessings be upon them, are not included in the ruling of this conditional statement or what is in its position; for they are of too great a station for the antecedent to be conceivable in their case, such that they would be described—God forbid—by what is contained in the consequent. Rather, this ruling applies to their followers. It has been permitted that the general meaning be intended, and the verse is of the same category as: "If you were to associate [others with Allah], your deeds would surely become worthless."
