The names for which Allah rebuked the polytheists when they applied them to their idols also belong to this category. He said:

“They are nothing but names you and your forefathers have named, for which Allah has sent down no authority.”

They called them gods, thereby attributing to them the divinity that would entitle them to be worshipped. This meaning cannot be affirmed without authority—that is, proof. To say that something is an object of worship may mean that Allah has commanded its worship; this can only be established through a revealed scripture. Or it may mean that it possesses lordship and the power of creation, which would entitle it to worship; whether it possesses these attributes or not can be established through reason.

For this reason, the Exalted said:

“Say, ‘Have you considered those you invoke besides Allah? Show me what they have created of the earth. Or do they have a share in the heavens? Bring me a scripture predating this, or some remnant of knowledge, if you are truthful.’”

And He said in Sūrah Fātir:

“Say, ‘Have you considered those partners of yours whom you invoke besides Allah? Show me what they have created of the earth. Or do they have a share in the heavens? Or have We given them a scripture, so that they stand on clear evidence from it?’ Rather, the wrongdoers promise one another nothing but delusion.”

Thus, He demanded of them proof grounded in reason and direct observation, as well as proof grounded in revelation and divine law. He said:

“Show me what they have created of the earth. Or do they have a share in the heavens?”

Then He said:

“Or have We given them a scripture, so that they stand on clear evidence from it?”

Likewise, He said in the other passage:

“Show me what they have created of the earth. Or do they have a share in the heavens?”

Then He said: “Bring me a scripture