Qoran Shenakht

This study examines the Qur’anic logic of negating independent recourse to imagined deities in the domain of supplication, seeking help, and seeking nearness. Its main problem is to determine by what conceptual and argumentative mechanism the Holy Qur’an explains the incapacity and invalidity of non-divine deities and establishes the exclusivity of divinity, lordship, and the final authority of supplication in God. Using a descriptive-analytical method and drawing on contextual semantic analysis, the study examines a set of verses related to supplication and calling upon other than God, claims of intercession or imparting nearness by imagined deities, the negation of their ownership and power, and the explanation of God’s exclusive lordship. The findings show that the Qur’anic argument on this issue does not rely on a single verse or a single proof; rather, it is formed from the interconnection of several sets of propositions: the negation of independent knowledge, power, ownership, response, and intercession on the part of other than God; criticism of the polytheists’ motive in worshipping intermediaries to seek nearness to God; and emphasis on the absolute dependence of all beings on the divine will and permission. Accordingly, the Qur’an distinguishes between “authorized seeking of means within the framework of divine lordship and permission” and “independent recourse or supplication directed toward non-divine beings.” This conceptual network provides the Qur’anic basis for negating any attribution of intrinsic and independent efficacy to other than God and clarifies its connection with the levels of monotheism in divine lordship and acts. The result of the study is that the verses examined, despite diversity in context and audience, converge in negating the divinity and independent efficacy of imagined deities; therefore, a network analysis of them can provide a clearer framework for understanding the relationship among supplication, recourse, intercession, and monotheism in the Holy Qur’an.