The Holy Quran 34:23 — Surah Saba

Arabic text

وَلَا تَنفَعُ ٱلشَّفَـٰعَةُ عِندَهُۥٓ إِلَّا لِمَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُۥ ۚ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فُزِّعَ عَن قُلُوبِهِمْ قَالُوا۟ مَاذَا قَالَ رَبُّكُمْ ۖ قَالُوا۟ ٱلْحَقَّ ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِىُّ ٱلْكَبِيرُ

Translation

(Some Mushrikeen maintained that their idols would intercede on their behalf before Allaah. Allaah dispels this belief by saying that) Intercession (on behalf of anyone) cannot profit (another) in His presence, except for the one whom He permits (intercession). (However, it is certainly beyond the capability of their idols to ever receive such permission because even the Mushrikeen admit that they are helpless. In fact, receiving any command from Allaah is not an easy affair because even when the mighty angels receive commands from Allaah, they are overcome with fear. They remain in this condition of fear) Until the time comes when the fear leaves their hearts and they say (to each other), "What has your Rabb said?" The reply is, "(He speaks) The truth and He is the Exalted, the Great."

Tafsir (excerpt) — Tafsir Usmani

That is, of what use would these wretched ones be, who have no independent authority over even a single atom in the heavens and the earth (indeed, idols do not have even dependent authority)? They have no share in the heavens and the earth, nor does Allah need help in any work, so that they might claim some rights by becoming His aides and helpers.

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