predating this, or some remnant of knowledge.” Here, “scripture” means a revealed scripture, while “remnant” means what is transmitted from the prophets through narration and chains of transmission. This may also be recorded in books; hence it has been interpreted as both narration and writing. This is a demand for evidence from revelation that Allah has prescribed worshipping another besides Him, taking that being as an intercessor or seeking nearness to Allah through worshipping it. It also makes clear that no worship is legitimate without a command from Allah.

For this reason, the Exalted said:

“Whoever invokes another god alongside Allah, for whom he has no proof, his reckoning rests only with his Lord.”

As He said elsewhere:

“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth—the natural disposition with which Allah created mankind. There is no altering Allah’s creation. That is the upright religion, but most people do not know. Turn to Him in repentance, fear Him, establish prayer, and do not be among the polytheists—those who divided their religion and became sects, each faction rejoicing in what it has. When hardship touches people, they call upon their Lord, turning to Him in repentance. Then, when He lets them taste mercy from Him, some of them associate partners with their Lord, showing ingratitude for what We have given them. So enjoy yourselves; you will soon know. Or have We sent down to them an authority that speaks in support of the partners they associate with Him?”

The authority that speaks in support of this would be a revealed scripture, as He said:

“Or do you have a clear authority? Then bring your scripture, if you are truthful.”

And He said:

“Those who dispute concerning Allah’s signs without any authority having come to them have nothing in their hearts but an ambition for greatness that they will never attain.”