and that none is like Him. He explains the attributes of perfection that belong exclusively to Him and their absence from those worshipped besides Him. He also makes clear that He is exalted above the partners they associate with Him and their claims that He has children and partners.

He says:

“Say: Had there been other gods alongside Him, as they claim, they would have sought a way to the Lord of the Throne.”

They used to say that these gods interceded for them and that through them they drew near to Him. Yet they affirmed intercession without His permission, thus giving created beings authority over intercession. This is a form of associating partners with Allah.

For this reason, He, exalted be He, says:

“Those they invoke besides Him have no authority over intercession.”

No one but Allah has authority over intercession. Thus Ibn Abī Hātim narrated from al-Suddī concerning His words:

“They would have sought a way to the Lord of the Throne.”

He explained: “The fulfillment of needs would be sought from Allah.”

Maʿmar narrated from Qatāda concerning:

“They would have sought a way to the Lord of the Throne.”

“They would have sought to draw near to Him, though matters are not as they claim.”

Saʿīd narrated from Qatāda concerning:

“Had there been other gods alongside Him, as they claim.”

He explained: “Had there been other gods alongside Him, they would have acknowledged His superiority and preeminence over them, and would have sought means of drawing near to Him.”

It is also related from Sufyān al-Thawrī:

“They would have sought to seize His sovereignty.”

And from Abū Bakr al-Hudhalī, from Saʿīd ibn Jubayr:

“A way to overthrow His dominion.”

Al-Hudhalī, however, is a weak narrator.