As for possession, however, no one other than Him can possess the power of intercession. No created being possesses it under any circumstances, nor is it conceivable that a prophet, let alone anyone below him, could possess it. Rather, this is impossible, just as it is impossible for him to be a creator and lord. This accords with His words:

“Say: Call upon those whom you claim besides Allah. They do not possess 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.”

He thus denies their possession without qualification. Then He says:

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

He thus denies the benefit of intercession except for those whom He has excepted. He does not affirm that any created being possesses the power of intercession. Rather, to Him—glorified is He—belongs all dominion and all praise. He has no partner in His dominion. The Most High says:

“Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion upon His servant, so that he might be a warner to all the worlds.”

“He to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, who has never taken a son and has no partner in His dominion, who created everything and ordained it in due measure.”

This is why, when He denies the existence of intercessors besides Him, He does so absolutely, without exception. An exception is made only when He does not qualify them as being besides Him. The Most High says:

“And warn with it those who fear being gathered before their Lord: they have no protector or intercessor besides Him.”

The Most High also says:

“And remind with it, lest a soul be doomed for what it has earned: it will have no protector or intercessor besides Allah.”

And the Most High says:

“You have no protector or intercessor besides Him.”

Thus, when He says “besides Him,” He denies intercession without qualification. When He mentions “by His permission,” He does not say “besides Him,” as in His words: “Who