(They worship) i.e. the disbelievers of Mecca (beside Allah that which neither hurteth them) in this life or in the Hereafter, if they did not worship it, (nor profiteth them) in this life or in the Hereafter if they worshipped it, (and they say: These) i.e. these idols (are our intercessors) which will intercede for us (with Allah. Say) to them, O Muhammad: (Would ye inform Allah of (something) that He knoweth not in the heavens or in the earth) i.e. He knows there does not exist a god who hurts and benefits except Him? (Praised be He) He exalted Himself far above having a son or partner (and high exalted above) and absolves Himself from (all that ye associate (with Him)) of idols!