a god. All of this is false and brings its practitioner no benefit; rather, it harms him. Likewise, appointing an ignorant person as an imam, mufti, or judge is invalid, for he is unfit to lead, issue fatwas, or judge. None besides Allah is fit to be taken as a god to be worshipped and invoked, for none besides Him creates or provides. He—glorified is He—has no one who can withhold what He gives or give what He withholds, nor can worldly prosperity avail its possessor against Him.

Whoever invokes someone who cannot hear his supplication, or who hears but does not answer him, has made a futile and misguided supplication. Everyone besides Allah either does not hear the supplicant’s prayer or hears it but does not answer him, for none besides Allah can do anything independently whatsoever. Allah Most High has said:

“Say, ‘Call upon those you claim to be gods 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.’”

“Intercession before Him is of no benefit except for those to whom He gives permission.”

Thus, none besides Allah owns anything, has a share in anything, or assists the Lord in anything. Someone among the angels, prophets, or righteous may, however, have the right to intercede. Yet intercession before Him is of no benefit except for those to whom He gives permission. He must therefore permit the intercessor to intercede and permit intercession on behalf of its intended recipient. Those besides Him have no power over intercession whatsoever. None besides Him is therefore fit to be a god who is worshipped, just as none is fit to be a creator and provider. There is no deity worthy of worship except Him alone, without partner. His is the dominion and His is all praise, and He has power over all things.