which means that they are not partners in anything in the heavens, nor on earth. They do not own even the thin membrane covering a date’s pit. The dominion and control only belong to Allah, Exalted is He. ‘How then would you worship others or join them as partners with Him? Who guided you to that? Who called you to that? Did He command you to do it, or is it something that you suggested yourselves?’ Thus, He says, {Bring me a scripture prior to this} meaning, ‘bring a book from among the Books of Allah that have been revealed to the Prophets, that commands you to worship these idols.’ {or some trace of knowledge,} meaning, ‘some clear evidence justifying this way you have chosen.’ {if you are truthful!} meaning, “you have absolutely no evidence for that - neither textual (from revelation) nor rational.’ For this reason, some recited it; “or something inherited from knowledge” meaning, ‘or true knowledge that you have inherited from anyone before you.’ This is similar to Mujahid’s statement when he said, {or some trace of knowledge} “Or anyone who has inherited any knowledge.” Allah then says, {And who is more astray than those who invokes besides Allah others who will not answer them until the Day of Resurrection, and who are unaware of their invocations to them?} meaning, no one is more misguided than those who invoke idols instead of Allah, asking them for things that they cannot give - until the Day of Judgment. They (the idols) are unaware of what he asks, they can neither hear, see, or act. This is because they are inanimate, senseless stones. Allah then says, {And when mankind are gathered, they will become their enemies and will deny their worship.} This is similar to Allah’s saying: {They have taken gods beside Allah, that they might give them dignity. No! They will deny their worship of them, and will be opponents to them.} (19:81, 82)