among the gravest forms of polytheism, misguidance, and false analogy. For Allah knows all things, and He hears and sees everything. He is not like a king who knows only what is reported to him and neither hears nor sees most of his subjects’ affairs. Moreover, Allah has power over all things; He does not need helpers to answer someone’s supplication, as a king does. Allah is also near to His servants, as He says:

“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the supplication of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.” [Al-Baqarah 186]

He is merciful and compassionate toward His servants, even though He is the Compeller, the Supremely Great, rightfully exalted above all. He is not like kings who tyrannize and arrogantly exalt themselves without right over their fellow men and equals, refusing to listen to them or show them mercy, and despising the weak and the poor.

Such association of partners with Allah in His lordship and divinity, together with the arrogance and conceit found among His servants, is entirely contrary to the religion of Islam with which Allah sent His Messenger and which He revealed in His Books. Both kinds involve exalting created beings and making them rivals to Allah, while neglecting one’s duty toward Allah and failing to uphold His rights, in ways that constitute some of the gravest ignorance and injustice.