more gravely misguided than they are. If he says, “I believe that he exists,” this is tantamount to their saying, “We believe that these idols possess the power of intercession with Allah.” Thus, they worship besides Allah what can neither benefit nor harm them (1), and they say, “These are our intercessors with Allah.”
The point is that both of them (2) call upon one whom it is of no benefit to invoke, although the former took them as [intercessors] (3), as gods, whereas the latter say, “He is an infallible imam.” They form alliances and enmities on his account, just as the polytheists do over their gods, and they make him a pillar of faith without which the religion (4) is incomplete, just as some polytheists do with their gods.
The Exalted has said (5):
{It is not for any human being whom Allah has given the Scripture, judgment, and prophethood then to say to the people, “Be servants of mine instead of Allah.” Rather, “Be devoted servants of the Lord because you have taught the Scripture and because you have studied it.” Nor would he command you to take the angels and the prophets as lords. Would he command you to disbelieve after you have submitted to Allah?}