How is intercession interpreted in the noble verse from Surat Az-Zumar: "Is it not to Allah that sincere devotion is due? And those who take protectors besides Him [say], 'We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position.' Indeed, Allah will judge between them concerning that over which they differ. Indeed, Allah does not guide he who is a liar and [habitually] ungrateful"?

The intercession he asked about is intercession in this world, which is the belief of the polytheists that their deities will intercede for them and bring them closer to God to grant them victory in this world, provide for them, and protect them. The polytheists do not believe in intercession in the Afterlife nor in the abode where it occurs, as many verses indicate their denial of the Hereafter. The polytheists worshipped idols in the form of angels, claiming that these would bring them closer to God and intercede for them in worldly matters, while they were deniers of the resurrection. The messengers refuted this misconception and called for worshipping God alone.