Makes sense. Two similar cases could be given were a similar rhetorical stratagem is employed: 9:31 (Jews worship their rabbis) and 25:3 (“associators” having “gods” [āliha]). No one seriously thinks that Jews actually considered their rabbis to be deities and worshipped them.
I would question that
"No one seriously thinks"We all must realize at initial stages of Islam
"in and around Arabia all the way to 1000 AD or so" ... many folks ..Jews..Christians.... Pagans... and even those under that Roman Arabia
...the so-called
"Diocese of the East" around 5th century converted to Islam . And some of these converts who were well versed with the Abrahamic faiths could accuse Jewish folks and Christian folks .... WRITE SONGS.... PREACH THEIR ISLAM BY ACCUSING .
"THAT THESE JEWS & CHRISTIANS CONSIDER THEIR RABBIS OR THEIR PRIESTS AS DEITIES OF THE SOCIETY" .......why at that time?? .. it happens even today., forget preaching and teaching Islam., Some of these converted Muslim guys could give their life to their new faith .. and you can find them on you tube in 21st century dear Mahgraye