And the meaning of “he has made Allah his merchandise” is that he turns swearing by Allah into his stock-in-trade. In this there is a stern threat against frequent oath-taking, for it betrays a disregard for Allah’s right and a lack of respect for His Names.

Among the ways of honoring and exalting Allah is that no one should seek to make Him an intermediary before His creation, for that would amount to belittling Him—exalted is He—since the one through whom intercession is sought is necessarily of lower rank than the one before whom intercession is made.

Imam al-Shafiʿi (d. 204 AH) said, “Intercession is sought only with someone higher in status; Allah is far above that.”

A Bedouin once came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, complained of drought and ruined property, and asked him to pray for rain, saying, “We seek Allah’s intercession with you, and your intercession with Allah.”

The Prophet ﷺ replied, “Glory be to Allah! Do you realize Who Allah is? His affair is far greater than that; no one seeks Allah’s intercession with any of His creation.” Related by Abū Dāwūd. Truly, Allah’s majesty is immense; it is before Him that intercession is made, by His permission—glorified be He.