Do you inform Him of something (partners) He does not know in the earth...

Do you inform Him of something (partners) He does not know in the earth, or is it (just) a show of words?’ Rather, to those who disbelieve their devising are made to appear fair seeming, and they are kept back from the (right) path; and whomever Allah leaves to stray, for him there will be no guide.” How is it That You Align and Consider Allah as a Counterpart for the Idols? The Qur’an then returns to the issue of monotheism and paganism in this verse.

It addresses the people with this clear evidence and asks: Can one put Him on a parity? Is He Who overlooks all and is the protector and guardian of all, and witnesses the action of all equal with the one who lacks all the above characteristics?

The verse says: “Is He then Who watches every soul as to what it earns (like the idols)?…” To supplement His previous discussion and to present an introduction for the next discussion, He asserts: “…And yet they ascribe partners to Allah…” Allah provides answers for them using different methods immediately.

At first He commands: “…Say: ‘Name them!…” That is, how would you consider as counterparts for Allah the Almighty, a number of anonymous beings which lack any title and value, and are ineffective? Secondly, as about the issue which predisposes one to ask how such partners exist for Allah whom He is not aware of their existence despite His Omniscience.

The Qur’an inquires: “…Do you inform Him of something (partners) He does not know in the earth…” Thirdly, the fact is that you yourselves are not confident from the bottom of your heart that such a thing may exist, is evident from uttering the words ‘shadowy appearance’ in which there is no correct concept implied and you have sufficed to it.

The Qur’an continues saying: “…or is it (just) a show of words?’…” It is for this reason that these pagans call on Allah when they are caught in the hard entanglements of life, for they know clearly in their hearts that the idols are of no use. Fourthly, as the pagans lack a correct understanding and as they imitate and follow blindly their whims, they are not able to judge rationally and correctly. It is for this reason that they are misled and seduced in this manner.

However, in the view of the pagans, their lies have been decorated (and as a result of their inner wickedness are of the opinion that their thinking is identical with reality).