its worshipper at all times. Those who worship things other than Allah, such as the stars and the like, and take them as idols make requests and supplications when they rise. When they set, however, these worshippers obtain neither what they seek nor what they desire. They secure no benefit, ward off no harm, and derive no benefit from their worship at such times. Thus he explained the deficiencies of the gods worshipped besides Allah and the perfection of his Lord, the Originator of the heavens and the earth: He is the Creator, the Originator, the All-Knowing, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, the Guide, the Provider, the Giver of Life and the Causer of Death.

He called his Lord by the Most Beautiful Names, which signify His attributes of perfection, saying:

“Who will recite Your verses to them, teach them the Book and wisdom, and purify them. Indeed, You are the Almighty, the All-Wise.”

He also said:

“Whoever follows me is indeed of me; and whoever disobeys me—surely You are All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

And he said:

“I will ask my Lord to forgive you. Indeed, He has always been gracious to me.”

He thus described his Lord as possessing wisdom and mercy, in keeping with the meaning of intimate friendship, as he said:

“Indeed, He has always been gracious to me.”

Moses, peace be upon him, disputed with Pharaoh, who denied divine lordship and messengership, and said:

“I am your lord, the most high.”

And:

“I know of no god for you other than myself.”

His story is recounted repeatedly and at length in the Quran, so there is no need to elaborate on it here. Moses likewise affirmed Allah’s lordship and His attributes of perfection, and rejected associating partners with Him.