and they fear them instead of Allah, taking them as associates and intercessors. (1)

None of the polytheists ever maintained that the universe has two creators, nor that Allah has a partner (2) equal to Him in His attributes. No polytheist ever uttered such a claim; rather, they acknowledged that the Creator of the heavens and the earth is One, as Allah tells us:

“If you were to ask them, ‘Who created the heavens and the earth?’ they would surely answer, ‘Allah.’” (Luqmān 31:25) (3)

The Exalted also says:

“Say, ‘To whom belongs the earth and all who are in it, if you really know?’ They will reply, ‘To Allah.’ Say, ‘Will you not then take heed?’ Say, ‘Who is the Lord of the seven heavens and the Lord of the Mighty Throne?’ They will reply, ‘Allah.’ Say, ‘Will you not then fear Him?’ Say, ‘In whose hand is the dominion of everything—He protects and none can protect against Him—if you truly know?’ They will reply, ‘Allah.’ Say, ‘Then how are you deluded?’” (al-Muʾminūn 23:84–89) (4)

[The statements people make about intercession and the sound view on the matter]

During their pilgrimage chant they would say:

“Here I am, O Allah, You have no partner—except a partner who belongs to You; You own him and whatever he owns.” (5)

Allah said to them:

“He sets forth for you a parable drawn from yourselves: do any of those whom your right hands possess share with you, as partners, in what We have provided for you, so that you are equal therein, fearing them as you fear one another?” (ar-Rūm 30:28) (6)

They adopted their deities as mediators to bring them near to Allah and to intercede for them, as He, the Exalted, says:

“Those who take protectors besides Him say, ‘We worship them only so that they may bring us nearer to Allah.’” (az-Zumar 39:3) (7)

And He says:

“Have they taken intercessors besides Allah? Say, ‘Even though they possess no power and no understanding?’ Say, ‘To Allah belongs all intercession. His is the dominion of the heavens and the earth.’” (az-Zumar 39:43–44) (8)