MODERN DAY MUSLIM IDOLATRY

MODERN DAY MUSLIM IDOLATRY
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• What is the meaning of idol worship?

A simple definition of idol worship is to believe that anything beside God can help or hinder us, or to hold something as more important to us than God. Unfortunately, the majority of Muslims commit this gross offence without even realizing it.

If you ask them, "Who is your god?", they will be outraged to hear this question. "What do you mean, `Who is your god?' they will ask, `My god is the Creator of the heavens and the earth.' " And most of these people will be shocked to find out that their proclamation that their god is the Creator of the heavens and the earth is no more than lip service. Idol worship is a gross injustice, the violation of the first commandment in all the scriptures of God, and is an unforgivable sin if maintained until death.

31:013 Recall that Luqmaan said to his son, as he enlightened him, "O my son, do not set up any idols beside GOD; idolatry is a gross injustice."*

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

04: 48] GOD does not forgive idolatry,* but He forgives lesser offences for whomever He wills. Anyone who sets up idols beside GOD, has forged a horrendous offence.

04:116 GOD does not forgive idol worship (if maintained until death),* and He forgives lesser offences for whomever He wills. Anyone who idolizes any idol beside GOD has strayed far astray.

• God tells us that idol worship nullifies all work

39:065 It has been revealed to you, and to those before you that if you ever commit idol worship, all your works will be nullified, and you will be with the losers.

The natural instinct of monotheism that God has placed in us ( 30:30; to make it easier for us to choose the right path) commands us to dedicate our worship to God Alone, and not associate anything with God. All places of worship should be dedicated to God Alone. Belief in God includes the understanding that He alone is worthy of worship.

72:018 The places of worship belong to GOD; do not call on anyone else beside GOD.

Many so-called Muslims commit mistake by associating Muhammad with God at the places of worship, and by upholding Hadith and Sunna falsely attributed to Prophet Muhammad. For example, mentioning the names of Abraham, Muhammad, and/or Ali in the Azan and/or the Salat prayers violates God's commandments in 02:136, 02:285, 03:084, & 72:018. Unfortunately, this is a common idolatrous practice throughout the corrupted Muslim world. Many Christians commit this same mistake by exalting Jesus to the same level as God, or sometimes by even calling him God. This is idol worship. In Matthew 7:21-23: Jesus clearly disowns those who call him “Lord.”

Idol worship is not just restricted to worship of any statues or picture frames, etc., it also covers belief that any other being (spiritual, mythical or physical) other than God is able to affect our destiny.

The Quran cites many forms of idol worship at the time of revelation but also addresses new form of idol worship no less abhorrent than pre-Islamic forms.

Rather than citing all forms of idolatry, this articles will focus on idolatry practised in today’s world by Muslims.

MODERN FORMS OF ISLAMIC IDOLATRY
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1. Jinns as idols.

[6:100] Yet, they set up beside GOD idols from among the jinns, though He is the One who created them. They even attribute to Him sons and daughters, without any knowledge. Be He glorified. He is the Most High, far above their claims.

• Belief that Jinns (pre-Islamic mythical being) can interact with humans and have the ability on occasions to affect our behaviour and destiny

2. Humans as idols.

[7:194] The idols you invoke besides GOD are creatures like you. Go ahead and call upon them; let them respond to you, if you are right.

• Believing in Pirs and Faqirs have the ability to interject on your behalf in your relationship with God, is a modern form of idolatry.

3. "Intercessors" as Idols.
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From the Quran, it is obvious - there is no intercession by anyone or any act of anyone on the Day of Judgment.

010:018 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.

Intercession means mediating for someone else to gain some benefit or ward off some harm.

It is of two types: The first type; intercession that will take place in the Hereafter, on the Day of Resurrection and the second type; intercession concerning matters of this world.

4. The dead prophets, messengers and saints as idols.
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16:020-021 As for the idols they set up beside GOD, they do not create anything; they themselves were created. They are dead, not alive, and they have no idea how or when they will be resurrected.

03:079 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.

5. Upholding religious Sources other than God's words
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As a Submitter (Muslim) if we follow a source other than Quran for religious guidance it would be idolatry. The following verse makes it clear that the Quran is God's Testimony. Following any other source is defined as idolatry. Worshipping God is to obey His words only (Quran) and not the words of humans (scholars, religious leaders, mullahs, etc.).

006:019 Say, "Whose testimony is the greatest?" Say, "GOD's. He is the witness between me and you that this Quran* has been inspired to me, to preach it to you and whomever it reaches. Indeed, you bear witness that there are other gods* beside GOD." Say, "I do not testify as you do; there is only one god, and I disown your idolatry."

This verse proclaims the Quran as the only source of religious guidance. Those who uphold additional sources, such as Hadith & Sunna, are defined as idolaters.

6. Religious leaders and scholars as idols.
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Upholding the Teachings of Religious Leaders, Instead of God's Teachings is another form of modern day idolatry.

009:031 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.

If you obey the "Muslim scholars" whose advice is contrary to God's divine teachings in the Quran, you have set up these religious leaders as gods instead of God.

7. Creating sects in religion is idol worship
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The Quran forbids dividing ourselves into sects. Those who divide and promote division into sects are termed as idol worshippers.

030:031-032 You shall submit to Him, reverence Him, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and - whatever you do - do not ever fall into idol worship. (Do not fall in idol worship,) like those who divide their religion into sects; each party rejoicing with what they have.

8. Dividing believers and providing comfort to those who oppose God and His messengers is practicing idol worship.
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009:107 There are those who abuse the masjid by practicing idol worship, dividing the believers, and providing comfort to those who oppose GOD and His messenger. They solemnly swear: "Our intentions are honorable!" GOD bears witness that they are liars.

Any masjid where the practices are not devoted absolutely to God ALONE belongs to Satan, not God. For example, mentioning the names of Abraham, Muhammad, and/or Ali in the Azan and/or the Salat prayers violates God's commandments in 2:136, 2:285, 3:84, & 72:18. Unfortunately, this is a common idolatrous practice throughout the corrupted Muslim world.

May God protect us from worshiping idols.
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[14:35] Recall that Abraham said, "My Lord, …. protect me and my children from worshiping idols.

[6:162-164] Say, "My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord of the universe.He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit." Say, "Shall I seek other than GOD as a lord, when He is the Lord of all things? No soul benefits except from its own works, and none bears the burden of another. Ultimately, you return to your Lord, then He informs you regarding all your disputes."

Final words……

We learn from the Quran that idols cannot judge (040:020), idols cannot create anything and are powerless (013:016, 046:004) and idols do not bring us closer to God (039:003). We learn that idolaters follow conjecture (006:148) and that idolaters deny idol worship - now & on the Day of Judgment (006:022-024).