“Is there a god besides Allah? Say, ‘Produce your proof, if you are truthful.’” 1.

He also says:

“Allah is the One who created you, then provided for you, then will cause you to die, then will bring you to life. Do any of those you associate with Him do any of these things?” 2.

There is no doubt that their only possible answer is no—that is, none of those we associate with Him can do any of the things mentioned: creating, providing, causing death, or giving life. Since this acknowledgment was inescapable for them, He rebuked them, expressing His condemnation, saying:

“Glory be to Him, and exalted is He above whatever they associate with Him.”

There are very many verses of this kind. For this reason, we have stated elsewhere that all questions concerning Allah’s oneness in lordship are questions intended to elicit acknowledgment. Their purpose is that, if they acknowledge it, their acknowledgment should serve as the basis for rebuking and condemning them; for whoever acknowledges His lordship must necessarily acknowledge His exclusive right to worship. Examples include the words of the Most High:

“Can there be doubt about Allah?” 3.

And His saying:

“Say, ‘Should I seek a lord other than Allah?’” 4.

This remains so even if some scholars claim that this is a question expressing denial. For a comprehensive survey of the Quran shows that questions concerning His lordship seek acknowledgment rather than express denial, because they do not deny His lordship—as you have seen from the many verses demonstrating this.

You will find discussions of the categories of monotheism, Allah willing, in many places throughout this blessed book, wherever relevant to the verses we explain by means of other verses.”5 Thus ends his statement—may Allah have mercy on him.