Imām al-San‘ānī said: “The fourth principle is that the polytheists to whom Allah sent the messengers acknowledged that Allah is their Creator:

‘And if you asked them who created them, they would surely say, “Allah.”’ 1

They acknowledged that He is the One who created the heavens and the earth:

‘And if you asked them who created the heavens and the earth, they would surely say, “The Almighty, the All-Knowing created them.”’ 2

They also acknowledged that He is the Provider, who brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living; that He directs all affairs from heaven to earth; and that He controls hearing, sight, and hearts:

‘Say, “Who provides for you from heaven and earth? Who controls hearing and sight? Who brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living? And who directs all affairs?” They will say, “Allah.” Say, “Then will you not fear Him?”’ 3

‘Say, “To whom belongs the earth and whoever is in it, if you know?” They will say, “To Allah.” Say, “Then will you not remember?” Say, “Who is the Lord of the seven heavens and the Lord of the Great Throne?” They will say, “They belong to Allah.” Say, “Then will you not fear Him?” Say, “In whose hand is the dominion of all things—who protects while none can protect against Him—if you know?” They will say, “All belongs to Allah.” Say, “Then how are you deluded?”’ 4 …”5

These are some of the scholars’ statements concerning the meaning of Allah Most High’s words, “And if you asked them who created the heavens and the earth,” and similar verses. They provide a most forceful refutation of the writer’s claim that the polytheists said this merely for the sake of argument.

As for Allah Most High’s words:

“And those who take protectors besides Him [say], ‘We worship them only