Al-Ahqaf (The Dunes)

28. Then why did those whom they had taken for gods besides Allah, as a way of approach [to Allah] not help them? Nay, but they vanished completely from them [when there came the torment]. And that was [the end of] their deviation and what they were seeking.

Inclination toward proximity to God is innate; even idolaters regard idols as a means of nearness to God:

(“as a way of approach”).

We may rely on someone as a means of succor in hardships, but it would be wishful thinking to regard idols as means of support:

(“Nay, but they vanished completely from them”).

The Verse in question rejects the claims of those entangled in torment owing to their polytheism and disbelief.

They worshipped the statues of gods fashioned by them and said:

“we do not worship them except for rendering us nearer to God.”

Upon sending down the torment they were abandoned.

At that time:

“they vanished completely from them when there came the torment.”

They were unable to find their objects of worship owing to slandering the One God and associating false gods with Him. The Verse refers to the fact that had they enjoyed any rank or merit with, they should have been able to save their worshippers from torment rather than being annihilated in it.