And I am only a follower, not an innovator; I merely enforce rulings; I do not issue them.”

It is thus clear that these claims to acting as Allah’s deputy and the like are merely the claims of arrogant, tyrannical polytheists who seek supremacy on earth, such as Pharaoh, these advocates of union with Allah, and those who agree with Pharaoh. They claim that they are equals of Allah Most High and that He needs His servants just as His servants need Him. Glorified and exalted is He, far above what the wrongdoers say!

This is further clarified by the fact that Allah’s granting a servant kingship, authority, and wealth does not necessarily mean that He is thereby honouring him or loving him. Rather, it is a trial, a temptation, and a test for him. Allah Most High says:

“As for man, when his Lord tests him by honouring him and granting him blessings, he says,