whether these gods whom you invoke besides Allah did these things, or whether Allah alone did them. For those people acknowledged that Allah alone did these things. Such is the nature of a rhetorical question expressing denial: it entails negating what is asked about and rebuking anyone who affirms it. Those people acknowledged this, yet they still associated with Him gods that they knew had done none of these things. This is what they were rebuked for and warned against. There are many such examples in the Quran. Whoever understands this understands the polytheism that Allah condemned in His scriptures and sent all His messengers to forbid. As the Exalted says:

“Ask those of Our messengers whom We sent before you: did We appoint gods besides the Most Merciful to be worshipped?” {45} [Ornaments of Gold 45]

The Exalted also says:

“We certainly sent a messenger to every nation, saying, ‘Worship Allah and shun false gods.’” [The Bee 36]

Worship entails perfect love and perfect submission. The Exalted says:

“Among people are those who take others besides Allah as equals to Him, loving them as they love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in their love for Allah.” [The Cow 165]

It is authentically reported from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, that this surah—meaning al-Fātihah—is the greatest surah in the Quran, and that nothing like it was revealed in the Torah, the Gospel, or the Quran. In it, Allah has expressed the essence of the divine scriptures in His words:

“You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.” {5}

Similar to this are His words:

“In Him I have put my trust, and to Him I turn.” {10}