(22–23) “Say, ‘Call upon those whom you claim besides Allah. They do not possess even an atom’s weight in the heavens or on earth, nor do they have any share in either, nor does He have any helper among them.’”

That is: “Say,” O Messenger, to those who associate created beings with Allah—beings that can neither benefit nor harm—confronting them with their helplessness and making clear the invalidity of worshipping them: “Call upon those whom you claim besides Allah”—that is, those whom you claim to be partners with Allah—if calling upon them can benefit you. They are utterly helpless and unable to answer supplications in every respect. They possess not even the slightest dominion, for “they do not possess even an atom’s weight in the heavens or on earth,” whether independently or jointly. Hence He said: “Nor do they have”—that is, the gods whom you claim—“any share in either”—meaning in the heavens or on earth. They have no share whatsoever, small or great; thus, they possess no dominion and have no share in it.

It might still be said that, even so, they could be assistants and ministers to the Sovereign, in which case calling upon them would be of benefit because, due to the Sovereign’s need for them, they could fulfill the needs of those who attach themselves to them. Allah Most High therefore denied this rank, saying: “Nor does He”—that is, Allah Most High, the One, the All-Subduing—“have any helper among them”—that is, among these objects of worship—meaning any assistant or minister who helps Him govern and administer His dominion.