It is as if Allah (swt) rebukes the polytheists and says to them: “Whether or not you call the idols to guidance, they fail to response to you” because they are invoking stones and idols and calling upon deities besides Allah (swt). This indicates that the intended meaning of associating partners with Allah (swt) is not only the worship of idols and statues but also believing that someone has the power to harm or benefit, control, raise, humble, honor, or disgrace alongside Allah (swt).