“We worship them only so that they may bring us nearer to Allah.” (Az-Zumar 39:3)

And the Exalted also says:

“Have they taken intercessors other than Allah? Say: ‘Even though they possess no power at all and understand nothing?’ Say: ‘All intercession belongs exclusively to Allah. His is the dominion of the heavens and the earth; then to Him you will be returned.’” (Az-Zumar 39:43–44)

He says further:

“You have no protector and no intercessor besides Him. Will you not, then, take heed?” (As-Sajdah 32:4)

And He, Blessed and Most High, says:

“Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?” (Al-Baqarah 2:255)

In these verses He differentiates Himself from His creation. Among people it is customary that one seeks favor with a great dignitary through someone whom that dignitary honors. The intermediary petitions him, and the request is granted—whether out of desire, fear, courtesy, affection, or some other motive. Allah, Mighty and Majestic, however, allows no one to intercede with Him until He first grants the intercessor permission; He acts only as He wills, and the very intercession takes place by His leave. Thus the entire affair rests with Him alone.