Three Forms of Idol Worship

In the following verse we are commanded to refrain from three things in order to be considered submitters (Muslims).

[3:64] Say, “O followers of the scripture, let us come to a logical agreement between us and you: that we shall not worship except GOD; that we never associate anything with Him, nor take others as lords beside GOD.” If they turn away, say, “Bear witness that we are submitters.”

 قُلْ يَـٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ تَعَالَوْا۟ إِلَىٰ كَلِمَةٍ سَوَآءٍۭ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ أَلَّا نَعْبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشْرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيْـًٔا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُنَا بَعْضًا أَرْبَابًا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَقُولُوا۟ ٱشْهَدُوا۟ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ

10	allā	أَلَّا	that not
11	naʿbuda	نَعْبُدَ	we worship
12	illā	إِلَّا	except
13	l-laha	ٱللَّهَ	God,
14	walā	وَلَا	and not
15	nush’rika	نُشْرِكَ	we associate partners / idols
16	bihi	بِهِۦ	with Him
17	shayan	شَيْـًٔا	anything,
18	walā	وَلَا	and not
19	yattakhidha	يَتَّخِذَ	[he] take
20	baʿḍunā	بَعْضُنَا	some of us
21	baʿḍan	بَعْضًا	(to) some others
22	arbāban	أَرْبَابًا	(as) lords
23	min	مِّن	from
24	dūni	دُونِ	besides
25	l-lahi	ٱللَّهِ	God.”

1. Not to worship other than God
2. Not to associate anything with Him
3. Not to take others as lords besides God

Let’s look at the differences between these three forms mentioned and make sure we are not committing any of these acts.

#1 IDOL WORSHIP

The Quran specifies different idols that a person can have in this world.

• Statues: (2:51, 21:51-53) 
• Jesus (5:72)
• Jinns (6:100) 
• Children (7:190) 
• Humans/creatures (7:194) 
• Intercessors (10:18) 
• Satan (14:22, 16:100, 36:60) 
• Property (18:32-36, 18:42)
• Provisions (68:17-32)
• Prophets/messengers/saints (16:20-21, 3:79) 
• Ego (25:43, 45:23) 
• Upholding religious sources besides God’s revelation (6:19) 
• Religious leaders and scholars (9:31) 
• Secetarianism (30:31-32)
• Dividing believers and giving comfort to enemies of God (9:107)

These examples show that worshiping other than God is not limited to what someone physically bows and prostrates in front of but can also be something a lot less obvious. So, what does it mean to worship other than God?

The fundamental reason for our existence is to worship God alone.

[51:56] I did not create the jinns and the humans except to worship Me alone.

 وَمَا خَلَقْتُ ٱلْجِنَّ وَٱلْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

TO SERVE

The Arabic word typically translated as “worship” in the Quran is “‘abad” ( عبد ), which means not only to worship but also to serve, as in a master-slave relationship. So if we consider anyone other than God as our master or think we are the slave of anyone other than God, then we would be falling into idol worship.

VOLUNTARILY

For this relationship to be true, it needs to be voluntary and not via compulsion. If we consider the expression used in the Quran to “obey God,” which is “atayu Allah” ( أَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّه ), the word “atayu” comes from the root ( ط و ع ) and means “to consent” or “to do so voluntarily.” Therefore, this would be voluntary obedience and not forced obedience, which would be the word “karihu” ( كَرِهُوا۟ ).

[3:32] Proclaim: “You shall obey GOD and the messenger.” If they turn away, GOD does not love the disbelievers.

(٣٢) قُلْ أَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

So why would anyone voluntarily choose to be a slave to God? An example can be seen in the worship of the Children of Israel towards the calf.

[2:51] Yet, when we summoned Moses for forty nights, you worshiped the calf in his absence, and turned wicked.

 وَإِذْ وَٰعَدْنَا مُوسَىٰٓ أَرْبَعِينَ لَيْلَةً ثُمَّ ٱتَّخَذْتُمُ ٱلْعِجْلَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ وَأَنتُمْ ظَـٰلِمُونَ

[2:93] We made a covenant with you, as we raised Mount Sinai above you, saying, “You shall uphold the commandments we have given you, strongly, and listen.” They said, “We hear, but we disobey.” Their hearts became filled with adoration for the calf, due to their disbelief. Say, “Miserable indeed is what your faith dictates upon you, if you do have any faith.”

 وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَـٰقَكُمْ وَرَفَعْنَا فَوْقَكُمُ ٱلطُّورَ خُذُوا۟ مَآ ءَاتَيْنَـٰكُم بِقُوَّةٍ وَٱسْمَعُوا۟ قَالُوا۟ سَمِعْنَا وَعَصَيْنَا وَأُشْرِبُوا۟ فِى قُلُوبِهِمُ ٱلْعِجْلَ بِكُفْرِهِمْ قُلْ بِئْسَمَا يَأْمُرُكُم بِهِۦٓ إِيمَـٰنُكُمْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

15	wa-ush’ribū	وَأُشْرِبُوا۟	And they were given to drink / imbued / filled
16	fī	فِى	in
17	qulūbihimu	قُلُوبِهِمُ	their hearts (love of)
18	l-ʿij’la	ٱلْعِجْلَ	the calf

This shows that we worship and are the willful slave to whatever we love the most. Therefore, if God is our true master, we should love God the most.

[2:165] Yet, some people set up idols to rival GOD, and love them as if they are GOD. Those who believe love GOD the most. If only the transgressors could see themselves when they see the retribution! They will realize then that all power belongs to GOD alone, and that GOD’s retribution is awesome.

 وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَندَادًا يُحِبُّونَهُمْ كَحُبِّ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَشَدُّ حُبًّا لِّلَّهِ وَلَوْ يَرَى ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ إِذْ يَرَوْنَ ٱلْعَذَابَ أَنَّ ٱلْقُوَّةَ لِلَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعَذَابِ

1	wamina	وَمِنَ	And among
2	l-nāsi	ٱلنَّاسِ	the people
3	man	مَن	who
4	yattakhidhu	يَتَّخِذُ	he takes
5	min	مِن	from
6	dūni	دُونِ	besides
7	l-lahi	ٱللَّهِ	God
8	andādan	أَندَادًا	rivals / equals.
9	yuḥibbūnahum	يُحِبُّونَهُمْ	They love them
10	kaḥubbi	كَحُبِّ	like (they should) love
11	l-lahi	ٱللَّهِ	God.
12	wa-alladhīna	وَٱلَّذِينَ	And those who
13	āmanū	ءَامَنُوٓا۟	they believed (are)
14	ashaddu	أَشَدُّ	stronger
15	ḥubban	حُبًّا	(in) love
16	lillahi	لِّلَّهِ	for God.

AS OUR #1 PRIORITY

We know we love God the most when we give God priority over everything else.

[9:24] Proclaim: “If your parents, your children, your siblings, your spouses, your family, the money you have earned, a business you worry about, and the homes you cherish are more beloved to you than GOD and His messenger, and the striving in His cause, then just wait until GOD brings His judgment.” GOD does not guide the wicked people.

 قُلْ إِن كَانَ ءَابَآؤُكُمْ وَأَبْنَآؤُكُمْ وَإِخْوَٰنُكُمْ وَأَزْوَٰجُكُمْ وَعَشِيرَتُكُمْ وَأَمْوَٰلٌ ٱقْتَرَفْتُمُوهَا وَتِجَـٰرَةٌ تَخْشَوْنَ كَسَادَهَا وَمَسَـٰكِنُ تَرْضَوْنَهَآ أَحَبَّ إِلَيْكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ وَجِهَادٍ فِى سَبِيلِهِۦ فَتَرَبَّصُوا۟ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِىَ ٱللَّهُ بِأَمْرِهِۦ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلْفَـٰسِقِينَ

How can we tell if we love God more than our parents, children, siblings, spouses, family, work, etc.? When we must choose between God or any of these other things, we always choose God. A simple example can be seen by means of the Friday prayer. Consider when the Friday Prayer is announced, do we drop everything to make God our #1 priority?

[62:9] O you who believe, when the Congregational Prayer (Salat Al-Jumu’ah) is announced on Friday, you shall hasten to the commemoration of GOD, and drop all business. This is better for you, if you only knew.

 يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا نُودِىَ لِلصَّلَوٰةِ مِن يَوْمِ ٱلْجُمُعَةِ فَٱسْعَوْا۟ إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ وَذَرُوا۟ ٱلْبَيْعَ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

WE ARE ETERNALLY APPRECIATIVE

Whatever we love the most causes us to be thankful when we get to serve them.

[2:172] O you who believe, eat from the good things we provided for you, and be thankful to GOD, if you do worship Him alone.

 يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُلُوا۟ مِن طَيِّبَـٰتِ مَا رَزَقْنَـٰكُمْ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لِلَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ

This is because we get true satisfaction by obtaining their approval and good favor.

[2:207] Then there are those who dedicate their lives to serving GOD; GOD is compassionate towards such worshipers.

 وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَشْرِى نَفْسَهُ ٱبْتِغَآءَ مَرْضَاتِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ رَءُوفٌۢ بِٱلْعِبَادِ

1	wamina	وَمِنَ	And of
2	l-nāsi	ٱلنَّاسِ	the people
3	man	مَن	(is the one) who
4	yashrī	يَشْرِى	[he] exchanges / gives up (dedicates)
5	nafsahu	نَفْسَهُ	his own self
6	ib’tighāa	ٱبْتِغَآءَ	seeking
7	marḍāti	مَرْضَاتِ	pleasure
8	l-lahi	ٱللَّهِ	(of) God.
9	wal-lahu	وَٱللَّهُ	And God (is)
10	raūfun	رَءُوفٌۢ	Compassionate
11	bil-ʿibādi	بِٱلْعِبَادِ	to the servants.

[14:7] Your Lord has decreed: “The more you thank Me, the more I give you.” But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe.

 وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌ

TO PLEASE GOD

If God is our Master, we should want to do the things that please Him for the sake of pleasing Him. If we are good to our parents, children, family, community, employer, etc. it is ultimately because we want to please God.

[76:9] “We feed you for the sake of GOD; we expect no reward from you, nor thanks.

 إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ ٱللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَآءً وَلَا شُكُورًا

1	innamā	إِنَّمَا	“Only
2	nuṭ’ʿimukum	نُطْعِمُكُمْ	we feed you [all]
3	liwajhi	لِوَجْهِ	for the face / sake
4	l-lahi	ٱللَّهِ	(of) God.
5	lā	لَا	Not
6	nurīdu	نُرِيدُ	we desire / seek
7	minkum	مِنكُمْ	from you [all]
8	jazāan	جَزَآءً	a reward
9	walā	وَلَا	and not
10	shukūran	شُكُورًا	thanks.

FOR ONLY GOD’S APPROVAL MATTERS

The reason we consider God to be our only Master, the only One worthy of our praise and glorification, and the only One we want to please is because we recognize that He alone provides for us and can make us happy. According to the Quran, a simple definition of idol worship is to believe that anything independent of God has the power to harm or benefit a person.

[10:18] They worship beside GOD idols that possess no power to harm them or benefit them, and they say, “These are our intercessors at GOD!” Say, “Are you informing GOD of something He does not know in the heavens or the earth?” Be He glorified. He is the Most High; far above needing partners.

 وَيَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَضُرُّهُمْ وَلَا يَنفَعُهُمْ وَيَقُولُونَ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ شُفَعَـٰٓؤُنَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ قُلْ أَتُنَبِّـُٔونَ ٱللَّهَ بِمَا لَا يَعْلَمُ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَلَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ سُبْحَـٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَـٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ

So, if we think anything independent of God has the power to harm or benefit us, then we are not worshiping God alone.

[5:76] Say, “Would you worship beside GOD powerless idols who can neither harm you, nor benefit you? GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.”

 قُلْ أَتَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَمْلِكُ لَكُمْ ضَرًّا وَلَا نَفْعًا وَٱللَّهُ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ

1	qul	قُلْ	Say,
2	ataʿbudūna	أَتَعْبُدُونَ	“Do you [all] worship
3	min	مِن	from
4	dūni	دُونِ	besides
5	l-lahi	ٱللَّهِ	God
6	mā	مَا	what
7	lā	لَا	not
8	yamliku	يَمْلِكُ	it has power
9	lakum	لَكُمْ	to (cause) you [all]
10	ḍarran	ضَرًّا	(any) harm
11	walā	وَلَا	and not
12	nafʿan	نَفْعًا	any benefit,
13	wal-lahu	وَٱللَّهُ	while God,
14	huwa	هُوَ	He (is)
15	l-samīʿu	ٱلسَّمِيعُ	the Hearer,
16	l-ʿalīmu	ٱلْعَلِيمُ	the Omniscient?

So if we think anything independent of God has the power to harm or benefit us and seek to give that priority over God, then we are worshiping other than God.

[10:106] “You shall not worship beside GOD what possesses no power to benefit you or harm you. If you do, you will be a transgressor.”

 وَلَا تَدْعُ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَنفَعُكَ وَلَا يَضُرُّكَ فَإِن فَعَلْتَ فَإِنَّكَ إِذًا مِّنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

[10:107] If GOD touches you with a hardship, none can relieve it except He. And when He blesses you, no force can prevent His grace. He bestows it upon whomever He chooses from among His servants. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful.

 وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُۥٓ إِلَّا هُوَ وَإِن يُرِدْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَلَا رَآدَّ لِفَضْلِهِۦ يُصِيبُ بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦ وَهُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

[3:160] If GOD supports you, none can defeat you. And if He abandons you, who else can support you? In GOD the believers shall trust.

 إِن يَنصُرْكُمُ ٱللَّهُ فَلَا غَالِبَ لَكُمْ وَإِن يَخْذُلْكُمْ فَمَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَنصُرُكُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ

#2. ASSOCIATING PARTNERS WITH GOD

In addition to not worshiping any other entity except God, the second requirement for being a submitter (Muslim) is to not associate anything with God.

[13:36] Those who received the scripture rejoice in what was revealed to you; some others may reject parts of it. Say, “I am simply enjoined to worship GOD, and never associate any idols with Him. I invite to Him, and to Him is my ultimate destiny.”

 وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَـٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ يَفْرَحُونَ بِمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمِنَ ٱلْأَحْزَابِ مَن يُنكِرُ بَعْضَهُۥ قُلْ إِنَّمَآ أُمِرْتُ أَنْ أَعْبُدَ ٱللَّهَ وَلَآ أُشْرِكَ بِهِۦٓ إِلَيْهِ أَدْعُوا۟ وَإِلَيْهِ مَـَٔابِ

13	qul	قُلْ	Say,
14	innamā	إِنَّمَآ	“Only
15	umir’tu	أُمِرْتُ	I was commanded
16	an	أَنْ	that
17	aʿbuda	أَعْبُدَ	I worship
18	l-laha	ٱللَّهَ	God,
19	walā	وَلَآ	and not
20	ush’rika	أُشْرِكَ	[I] associate partners
21	bihi	بِهِۦٓ	with Him.
22	ilayhi	إِلَيْهِ	To Him
23	adʿū	أَدْعُوا۟	I invite
24	wa-ilayhi	وَإِلَيْهِ	and to Him (is)
25	maābi	مَـَٔابِ	my place of return (ultimate destiny).”

The term often associated with an idol worshiper in the Arabic Quran is the word “mushrik” ( مشرك ), but the literal meaning of this word means “to associate” or, more specifically, “to associate partners.” When we understand the meaning of this term, it shows a much subtler form of idol worship than most people typically consider. This is because the Quran doesn’t just prohibit associating deities with other than God; it prohibits associating anything with God.

[4:36] You shall worship GOD alone—do not associate anything with Him. You shall regard the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, the related neighbor, the unrelated neighbor, the close associate, the traveling alien, and your servants. GOD does not like the arrogant show-offs.

 وَٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِهِۦ شَيْـًٔا وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًا وَبِذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْجَارِ ذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْجَارِ ٱلْجُنُبِ وَٱلصَّاحِبِ بِٱلْجَنۢبِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُكُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُورًا

1	wa-uʿ’budū	وَٱعْبُدُوا۟	And worship [you all]
2	l-laha	ٱللَّهَ	God
3	walā	وَلَا	And (do) not
4	tush’rikū	تُشْرِكُوا۟	[you all] associate
5	bihi	بِهِۦ	with Him
6	shayan	شَيْـًٔا	anything,

It is of great importance to highlight that the Quran emphasizes our duty not to ascribe any partners to God. This principle is not confined to other gods alone; it pertains to any possible partners that can be associated with God. Even if we claim that this other entity is subservient to God or merely a servant of God, it can still lead to association. Many instances of historical idol worship demonstrate this pattern, where individuals acknowledged God but intertwined partners with Him. This is why the Quran observes that a significant portion of those who profess belief in God unknowingly engage in idol worship.

[6:22] On the day when we summon them all, we will ask the idol worshipers, “Where are the idols you set up?”

وَيَوْمَ نَحْشُرُهُمْ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ نَقُولُ لِلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوٓا۟ أَيْنَ شُرَكَآؤُكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ

[6:23] Their disastrous response will be, “By GOD our Lord, we never were idol worshipers.”*

 ثُمَّ لَمْ تَكُن فِتْنَتُهُمْ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوا۟ وَٱللَّهِ رَبِّنَا مَا كُنَّا مُشْرِكِينَ

This prevalence is more extensive than commonly perceived, primarily due to its subtle and inconspicuous nature.

[12:106] The majority of those who believe in GOD do not do so without committing idol worship.

 وَمَا يُؤْمِنُ أَكْثَرُهُم بِٱللَّهِ إِلَّا وَهُم مُّشْرِكُونَ

The Quran provides numerous examples of what constitutes associating something with God. For example, if we uphold a command contrary to God’s, then we will be committing idol worship.

[6:121] Do not eat from that upon which the name of GOD has not been mentioned, for it is an abomination. The devils inspire their allies to argue with you; if you obey them, you will be idol worshipers.

وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا لَمْ يُذْكَرِ ٱسْمُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَفِسْقٌ وَإِنَّ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينَ لَيُوحُونَ إِلَىٰٓ أَوْلِيَآئِهِمْ لِيُجَـٰدِلُوكُمْ وَإِنْ أَطَعْتُمُوهُمْ إِنَّكُمْ لَمُشْرِكُونَ

If we set aside a portion of our provisions or worship for some other entity, then we will be committing idol worship.

[6:136] They even set aside a share of GOD’s provisions of crops and livestock, saying, “This share belongs to GOD,” according to their claims, “and this share belongs to our idols.” However, what was set aside for their idols never reached GOD, while the share they set aside for GOD invariably went to their idols. Miserable indeed is their judgment.

 وَجَعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ مِمَّا ذَرَأَ مِنَ ٱلْحَرْثِ وَٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ نَصِيبًا فَقَالُوا۟ هَـٰذَا لِلَّهِ بِزَعْمِهِمْ وَهَـٰذَا لِشُرَكَآئِنَا فَمَا كَانَ لِشُرَكَآئِهِمْ فَلَا يَصِلُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَمَا كَانَ لِلَّهِ فَهُوَ يَصِلُ إِلَىٰ شُرَكَآئِهِمْ سَآءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ

If we are not content with the mention of God alone and only feel satisfied when another entity is mentioned besides God, then we have fallen into idol worship.

[39:45] When GOD ALONE is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion. But when others are mentioned beside Him, they become satisfied.

 وَإِذَا ذُكِرَ ٱللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ ٱشْمَأَزَّتْ قُلُوبُ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَإِذَا ذُكِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ إِذَا هُمْ يَسْتَبْشِرُونَ

If we call upon other than God, particularly at the places of worship, then we have fallen into idol worship.

[72:18] The places of worship belong to GOD; do not call on anyone else beside GOD.

 وَأَنَّ ٱلْمَسَـٰجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدْعُوا۟ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدًا

[72:19] When GOD’s servant advocated Him alone, almost all of them banded together to oppose him.

 وَأَنَّهُۥ لَمَّا قَامَ عَبْدُ ٱللَّهِ يَدْعُوهُ كَادُوا۟ يَكُونُونَ عَلَيْهِ لِبَدًا

[72:20] Say, “I call only my Lord; I never set up any idols besides Him.“

 قُلْ إِنَّمَآ أَدْعُوا۟ رَبِّى وَلَآ أُشْرِكُ بِهِۦٓ أَحَدًا

The Quran informs us that associating partners with God is an unforgivable sin if maintained until death, so these matters should not be taken lightly.

[4:116] GOD does not forgive idol worship (if maintained until death), and He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who idolizes any idol beside GOD has strayed far astray.

 إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَمَن يُشْرِكْ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَـٰلًۢا بَعِيدًا

#3 SETTING UP LORDS BESIDE GOD

The essence of strict monotheism demands a direct connection between God and His creations, allowing us to pray to Him without any intermediary. Believing that an agent is necessary for us to pray to in order for God to hear our supplications or respond to our prayers essentially sets up a middleman as a lord between us and God.

This has been a significant contributor to how many of the people of the scripture in history have fallen into idol worship, and remains a prevalent pitfall among many Muslims today. Many believers think they cannot have a direct connection with God without some scholar or religious leader.

[9:31] They have set up their religious leaders and scholars as lords, instead of GOD. Others deified the Messiah, son of Mary. They were all commanded to worship only one god. There is no god except He. Be He glorified, high above having any partners.

 ٱتَّخَذُوٓا۟ أَحْبَارَهُمْ وَرُهْبَـٰنَهُمْ أَرْبَابًا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلْمَسِيحَ ٱبْنَ مَرْيَمَ وَمَآ أُمِرُوٓا۟ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوٓا۟ إِلَـٰهًا وَٰحِدًا لَّآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ سُبْحَـٰنَهُۥ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ

The Quran informs us that even the righteous among the intermediaries that they set up between them and God are seeking a ways and means to God.

[17:57] Even the idols that they implore are seeking the ways and means towards their Lord. They pray for His mercy, and fear His retribution. Surely, the retribution of your Lord is dreadful.

 أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ يَبْتَغُونَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمُ ٱلْوَسِيلَةَ أَيُّهُمْ أَقْرَبُ وَيَرْجُونَ رَحْمَتَهُۥ وَيَخَافُونَ عَذَابَهُۥٓ إِنَّ عَذَابَ رَبِّكَ كَانَ مَحْذُورًا

The Quran informs us that the religion shall be devoted to God alone, and anyone who implores other than God, thinking this will get them closer to God, has fallen into disbelief.

[39:3] Absolutely, the religion shall be devoted to GOD alone. Those who set up idols beside Him say, “We idolize them only to bring us closer to GOD; for they are in a better position!” GOD will judge them regarding their disputes. GOD does not guide such liars, disbelievers.

 أَلَا لِلَّهِ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْخَالِصُ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ مَا نَعْبُدُهُمْ إِلَّا لِيُقَرِّبُونَآ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ زُلْفَىٰٓ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَحْكُمُ بَيْنَهُمْ فِى مَا هُمْ فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِى مَنْ هُوَ كَـٰذِبٌ كَفَّارٌ

In addition to scholars and religious leaders, the most common intermediaries that people set up between themselves and God are the messengers. Ironically, this goes entirely counter to all the messenger’s teachings throughout history, as showcased in the Quran.

[3:79] Never would a human being whom GOD blessed with the scripture and prophethood say to the people, “Idolize me beside GOD.” Instead, (he would say), “Devote yourselves absolutely to your Lord alone,” according to the scripture you preach and the teachings you learn.

 مَا كَانَ لِبَشَرٍ أَن يُؤْتِيَهُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلْحُكْمَ وَٱلنُّبُوَّةَ ثُمَّ يَقُولَ لِلنَّاسِ كُونُوا۟ عِبَادًا لِّى مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَـٰكِن كُونُوا۟ رَبَّـٰنِيِّـۧنَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تُعَلِّمُونَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَبِمَا كُنتُمْ تَدْرُسُونَ

The most blatant form of this is the concept of intercession, where people think that by supplicating to the messenger via Salawat that he is going to intercede on their behalf on the Day of Judgment.

[36:23] “Shall I set up beside Him gods? If the Most Gracious willed any harm for me, their intercession cannot help me one bit, nor can they rescue me.

ءَأَتَّخِذُ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ ءَالِهَةً إِن يُرِدْنِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ بِضُرٍّ لَّا تُغْنِ عَنِّى شَفَـٰعَتُهُمْ شَيْـًٔا وَلَا يُنقِذُونِ

[2:48] Beware of the day when no soul can avail another soul, no intercession will be accepted, no ransom can be paid, nor can anyone be helped.

 وَٱتَّقُوا۟ يَوْمًا لَّا تَجْزِى نَفْسٌ عَن نَّفْسٍ شَيْـًٔا وَلَا يُقْبَلُ مِنْهَا شَفَـٰعَةٌ وَلَا يُؤْخَذُ مِنْهَا عَدْلٌ وَلَا هُمْ يُنصَرُونَ

The absurdity of thinking that any person will intercede on one’s behalf on the Day of Resurrection is to think that (1) this other entity knows better than God regarding the righteousness of that person’s soul and their deserving of redemption and that (2) this other entity is more merciful than God, such that while God (the Most Gracious, Most Merciful) would send someone to Hell, this other entity will intervene to save that soul and change God’s word to admit them to Paradise!

These premises fail because none is more merciful than God, and He alone is the best knower who deserves Paradise or Hell.

[12:64] He said, “Shall I trust you with him, as I trusted you with his brother before that? GOD is the best Protector, and, of all the merciful ones, He is the Most Merciful.”

قَالَ هَلْ ءَامَنُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ إِلَّا كَمَآ أَمِنتُكُمْ عَلَىٰٓ أَخِيهِ مِن قَبْلُ فَٱللَّهُ خَيْرٌ حَـٰفِظًا وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ

[16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones.

 ٱدْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلْحِكْمَةِ وَٱلْمَوْعِظَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةِ وَجَـٰدِلْهُم بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ

[19:68] By your Lord, we will certainly summon them, together with the devils, and will gather them around Hell, humiliated.

 فَوَرَبِّكَ لَنَحْشُرَنَّهُمْ وَٱلشَّيَـٰطِينَ ثُمَّ لَنُحْضِرَنَّهُمْ حَوْلَ جَهَنَّمَ جِثِيًّا

[19:69] Then we will pick out from each group the most ardent opponent of the Most Gracious.

 ثُمَّ لَنَنزِعَنَّ مِن كُلِّ شِيعَةٍ أَيُّهُمْ أَشَدُّ عَلَى ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ عِتِيًّا

[19:70] We know full well those who are most deserving of burning therein.

 ثُمَّ لَنَحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ أَوْلَىٰ بِهَا صِلِيًّا

Secondly, when God decrees anything, no one can change His word. So, if God decrees Paradise or Hell for someone, it would be impossible for another entity to override God’s judgment.

[18:27] You shall recite what is revealed to you of your Lord’s scripture. Nothing shall abrogate His words, and you shall not find any other source beside it.

 وَٱتْلُ مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَيْكَ مِن كِتَابِ رَبِّكَ لَا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَـٰتِهِۦ وَلَن تَجِدَ مِن دُونِهِۦ مُلْتَحَدًا

[9:80] Whether you ask forgiveness for them, or do not ask forgiveness for them—even if you ask forgiveness for them seventy times—GOD will not forgive them. This is because they disbelieve in GOD and His messenger. GOD does not guide the wicked people.

 ٱسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ أَوْ لَا تَسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ إِن تَسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ سَبْعِينَ مَرَّةً فَلَن يَغْفِرَ ٱللَّهُ لَهُمْ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَفَرُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلْفَـٰسِقِينَ

In addition, the messengers are entirely unaware of what took place in this world after their passing. This means that they will have no clue who deserves redemption and who does not.

[5:109] The day will come when GOD will summon the messengers and ask them, “How was the response to you?” They will say, “We have no knowledge. You are the Knower of all secrets.”

Not only that, we see in the Quran that Muhammad was unaware of who among his own people were hypocrites even when he was alive. This again shows that he would have been incapable, even when he was alive, of determining which of his companions would even deserve redemption.

[9:101] Among the Arabs around you, there are hypocrites. Also, among the city dwellers, there are those who are accustomed to hypocrisy. You do not know them, but we know them. We will double the retribution for them, then they end up committed to a terrible retribution.

 وَمِمَّنْ حَوْلَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْأَعْرَابِ مُنَـٰفِقُونَ وَمِنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْمَدِينَةِ مَرَدُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلنِّفَاقِ لَا تَعْلَمُهُمْ نَحْنُ نَعْلَمُهُمْ سَنُعَذِّبُهُم مَّرَّتَيْنِ ثُمَّ يُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰ عَذَابٍ عَظِيمٍ

 يَوْمَ يَجْمَعُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلرُّسُلَ فَيَقُولُ مَاذَآ أُجِبْتُمْ قَالُوا۟ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَآ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ عَلَّـٰمُ ٱلْغُيُوبِ

The takeaway is that if we want to worship God alone, to not set up partners with God, and to not set up lords beside God, the concept of thinking anyone will intercede on anyone’s behalf on the day of Ressurrection needs to be absolutely abandoned.

[10:18] They worship beside GOD idols that possess no power to harm them or benefit them, and they say, “These are our intercessors at GOD!” Say, “Are you informing GOD of something He does not know in the heavens or the earth?” Be He glorified. He is the Most High; far above needing partners.

 وَيَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَضُرُّهُمْ وَلَا يَنفَعُهُمْ وَيَقُولُونَ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ شُفَعَـٰٓؤُنَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ قُلْ أَتُنَبِّـُٔونَ ٱللَّهَ بِمَا لَا يَعْلَمُ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَلَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ سُبْحَـٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَـٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ

Summary

As idol worship is the only unforgivable sin, if maintained until death, it is absolutely critical that we asses ourselves and make sure we are not committing any of these three offenses.

[3:64] Say, “O followers of the scripture, let us come to a logical agreement between us and you: that we shall not worship except GOD; that we never associate anything with Him, nor take others as lords beside GOD.” If they turn away, say, “Bear witness that we are submitters.”

 قُلْ يَـٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ تَعَالَوْا۟ إِلَىٰ كَلِمَةٍ سَوَآءٍۭ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ أَلَّا نَعْبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشْرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيْـًٔا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُنَا بَعْضًا أَرْبَابًا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَقُولُوا۟ ٱشْهَدُوا۟ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ

If we fail to do this, the Quran informs us that we will be among the worst losers, as all our good deeds will be nullified.

[18:103] Say, “Shall I tell you who the worst losers are?

 قُلْ هَلْ نُنَبِّئُكُم بِٱلْأَخْسَرِينَ أَعْمَـٰلًا

[18:104] “They are the ones whose works in this life are totally astray, but they think that they are doing good.”

 ٱلَّذِينَ ضَلَّ سَعْيُهُمْ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَهُمْ يَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُمْ يُحْسِنُونَ صُنْعًا