any distortion in His names or His signs, for the Exalted says:

“To Allah belong the Most Beautiful Names, so call upon Him by them, and leave those who deviate concerning His names.” (7:180)

He also says:

“Surely those who distort Our signs are not hidden from Us.” (41:40)

Thus the believer calls upon God alone and worships Him alone, associating no one with his Lord. He steers clear of the path of the polytheists about whom God Most High said:

“Say, ‘Invoke those you claim besides Him; they have no power to remove affliction from you nor to transfer it.’ Those whom they invoke themselves seek a means of nearness to their Lord—who among them will be closest. They hope for His mercy and fear His punishment. Indeed, your Lord’s punishment is to be feared.” (17:56–57)

He further says:

“Say, ‘Call upon those whom you allege besides Allah: they do not possess so much as an atom’s weight in the heavens or on the earth, nor do they have any share in either, nor is He aided by any of them. Intercession is of no avail with Him except for those to whom He grants permission. When dread is lifted from their hearts, they will ask, “What has your Lord said?” They will answer, “The truth, and He is the Most High, the Most Great.”’” (34:22–23)

These succinct statements contain detailed implications and subtle points that allude to a momentous matter. Let the believer therefore strive to attain true knowledge and faith, and let him take Allah as his guide and helper, judge and protector—for excellent is the Patron and excellent is the Helper; and sufficient is your Lord as guide and helper.

If he wishes, he may make the supplication reported by Muslim, Abū Dāwūd, and others on the authority of ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her): when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) rose for the night prayer he would say:

“O Allah, Lord of Gabriel, Michael, and Israfil, Originator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen, You judge between Your servants concerning that over which they differ—guide me, by Your leave, to the truth concerning that over which they differ.”