COVERT IDOLATRY

So far we have been looking at idolatry in its general sense, where it stems from, how it emerges, and the forms it takes. In this chapter we consider a far more dangerous form of idolatry: covert idolatry. Our beloved Prophet (saas) warned believers against this type of idolatry, for which he gave showing off to people as an example. Mahmud ibn Lubayd narrated: The Prophet (saas) came out and announced, “O people, beware of secret Shirk!” The people asked, “O messenger of Allah, what is secret Shirk?” He replied, “When a man gets up to pray and strives to beautify his prayer because people are looking at him; that is secret Shirk." (Collected by Ibn Khuzaymah) Abu Musaa narrated: One day Allah's messenger delivered a sermon saying “O people, fear Shirk for it is more hidden than the creeping of an ant.” Those whom Allah wished asked, “And how do we avoid it when it is more hidden than the creeping of an ant, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Say: ‘O Allah, we seek refuge in you from knowingly committing shirk with you and we ask your forgiveness for what we do not know about.’” (Collected by Ahmad and at-Tabarani) Even though people may have escaped all of the snares cited above, they must still be on their guard against self-deception. If they wish to attain a truly unsullied faith, they must think about this subject and avoid spiritual pride: … turning toward Him (in repentance). Fear (and respect) Him and establish prayer. Do not be among the idolaters. (Surat ar-Rum: 31) Those who do not believe ask: “Why has a Sign not been sent down to him from his Lord?” Say: “Allah misguides whoever He wills and guides to Himself all who turn to Him.” (Surat ar-Ra‘d: 27) As these verses make clear, Allah has made undiluted faith obligatory and has forbidden idolatry. At the same time, He has revealed that He will direct anyone who turns to Him to the true path. In other words, those who want to be guided to the true path must avoid all forms of idolatry and “make your Lord your goal” (Surat al-Inshirah: 8). But what does this actually mean? It means regarding Allah as one’s only friend and helper, seeking His approval alone, and basing oneself solely upon His mercy. One’s ultimate aim is Allah’s love and approval. For that reason, such people live according to His criteria, commands, and prohibitions. Other people’s approval and contentment is always secondary, for they want nothing in the world other than their true friend, Allah, to be pleased with them. Every believer who reads these words may well think that he or she possesses these same attributes. However, instead of being absolutely certain of themselves, they should think long and deeply on the subject and constantly strive to perfect themselves. Remembering that Allah controls all things Those who dedicate themselves only to Allah have full trust in Him alone, for they know that only He has actual control of, and actual power over, everything. Thus, there is no need for them to call upon that, which is not Him. Those who possess this true trust never feel doubt and sadness, and are not troubled by anything that comes their way during life. Aware that Allah sends everything to test them, they accept it and turn toward Him. Out of respect for Him, they feel satisfied with whatever He, in His wisdom, has destined for them. There is a great deal of good in whatever true believers experience, a fact that they know very well: “It may be that you hate something when it is good for you, and it may be that you love something when it is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know. (Surat al-Baqara: 216) Therefore, true believers do not go astray when confronted by events or situations that unbelievers would consider dangerous and terrible. They remain steadfast in their trust of Allah, because if they feel even a moment’s doubt it means that their trust in Allah is incomplete and that they have failed to properly appreciate His might and wisdom. This is coming dangerously close to idolatry, for which a true believer has no legitimate excuse. Here is where covert idolatry emerges as a grave danger. For example, it would be completely wrong for those who find themselves in a difficult situation to think: I am generally very submissive. I have complete trust in Allah, but sometimes I panic and lack full submission. Self-deception is also very dangerous in such cases. Clearly, someone who follows this line of reasoning does not have full trust in Allah. Even if they accept His existence, just thinking of compromising their belief indicates a lack of complete submission and a failure to comprehend His infinite might. Such an attitude can exist only among idolaters. However, those who dedicate themselves to Allah submit sincerely to the destiny He has created for them, for they know that it cannot be altered in any way. Allah reveals that whatever we experience is recorded in a book and that we can experience only what He has written in it: Not even the smallest speck eludes your Lord, either on Earth or in heaven. Nor is there anything smaller than that, or larger, which is not in a Clear Book. (Surah Yunus: 61) In other words, every event in a person’s life, without exception, is recorded in a book. Fully aware of this, believers evaluate whatever happens to them according to that awareness, seek the beauty in every detail of their predetermined destiny, and thus avoid the error of regretting or being displeased or unhappy. Without exception, believers are pleased with every moment of their life. If this is not the case, it means that one’s faith is shallow and that he or she has fallen into idolatry. Although they may say that they have faith in Allah, believe in the Hereafter, and are true Muslims, anyone who is ever displeased is actually failing to live according to the submission commanded in the Qur’an. This failure to comprehend the true meaning of destiny is a sign of covert idolatry. In other words, a person’s feelings or reactions toward events are of great importance. Given this, all people who consider themselves to be true believers must review their whole life, day-to-day mode of living, emotions, thoughts, feelings, perspective on life, and, most important of all, their subconscious to see if there is any weakness in their belief. Idolatry may sometimes be very deep-rooted in a person’s life. For example, fear may prevent some people from living by the faith in the very purest manner. In fact, they might become so caught up in serious concerns over the future that they begin to ignore Allah’s commands and prohibitions in order to guarantee their future. Such a course of action involves making “necessary” concessions. Or, they might regard their difficulties as unwelcome and become rebellious. This is where the majority of people forget Allah’s infinite might and control and fall into covert idolatry. Forgetting that only Allah creates the future, gives them money and possessions, and eliminates their difficulties, they seek assistance from other entities. Everyone must strongly avoid such negligent behavior and, if they find themselves in it, abandon it at once. They must consider their situation according to what the Qur’an says, remember that our Lord’s might is sufficient for all things, and understand that He is the sole lord of every entity and event. For instance, those who have cancer or are paralyzed in an unexpected motor accident, if they consider themselves to be true and sincere believers, will not grieve or worry. In fact, they will not even complain about these difficulties; rather, they will greet their situation with submission and pleasantness, knowing that this is what Allah has destined for them and that, if they endure it successfully, they will receive an unimaginable reward in the Hereafter. Sincere believers bear all difficulties in a pleasant manner and look for the good and the wisdom in them. They do not do this to console themselves, but because they know that only good will come out of these present difficulties. Aware that Allah has determined their destiny and that everything happens for a reason, they reflect upon their life and have patience and fortitude at all times. Everyone may experience unexpected events on any given day, such as a great injustice or slander, or a verbal or physical assault. But those who are free of covert or open idolatry never forget their destiny, never fall prey to their emotions or sorrows, and are never troubled. They remember that Allah controls all things and that whatever happens is part of His destiny for them. Therefore, they respond to evil with good, just as the Qur’an commands. They may experience events that would alarm unbelievers, and that would be quite natural. However, sincere believers do not feel fear or concern, for they have placed their full trust in Allah. For example, if sincere believers lose their family and possessions in a single moment, they remain fully submitted to Allah even at that very instant. In the face of what unbelievers would consider a disaster, their faith, submission, and trust in Allah does not waver. They will never grieve or fall victim to pessimism, sorrow, and despair. People must honestly think about how they would react to such situations and then take precautions so that they will not succumb to covert idolatry. Just thinking that such a little thing will do no harm, regarding ignorant reactions as normal under difficult circumstances, or basing their reactions upon those exhibited by most other people may lead to covert idolatry: If you obeyed most of those on Earth, they would misguide you from Allah’s Way. They follow nothing but conjecture. They are only guessing. (Surat al-An‘am: 116) Another factor that may lead to covert idolatry is the belief that people are successful due to their own efforts. For example, it would be a great mistake for a speaker to attribute his or her successful speech to his or her own reason, for only Allah can will someone to talk and give speeches. If someone is successful, makes scientific discoveries, or invents things that make life easier, all it means is that Allah has willed this as part of that person’s destiny. People cannot be the source of their success; believing this and then boasting of their accomplishments means that they have forgotten Allah: But you cannot will unless Allah wills. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (Surat al-Insan: 30) When people experience something negative (e.g., a disaster, illness, or injury), they must remember that these things are a part of their destiny. They cannot attribute such misfortunes to a reckless driver or a virus, for this would mean that they do not understand the truth. Of course various attributable causes have been created, but these are completely within Allah’s knowledge and under His control. Those who understand this truth have a proper appreciation of Allah; those who do not understand or accept this truth, or who engage in hidden or open rebellion, have fallen into covert idolatry. While it is true that one’s illness may have been “caused” by a microbe, Allah created the microbe and gave it the purpose and function of delivering the person’s predetermined illness. For example, He relates a moment of difficulty experienced by believers in the time of our Prophet (saas): What assailed you on the day the two armies met was by Allah’s permission, so that He would know the believers and the hypocrites... (Surah Al ‘Imran: 166-67) In other words, as all events occur by Allah’s will, there is no logical or rational reason to forget that all things are under His control. As He is the All-Knowing, every stage and moment of one’s life and destiny takes place because He wills it to. No matter how such an event may appear, it always contains auspicious and great wisdom. But people, both believers and non-believers, may not always understand that wisdom. Sometimes they may see it and give thanks; sometimes they may be unable to see it but still retain their trust in Allah, knowing with certainty that He creates everything with great good and wisdom. The logic of a little faith, a little idolatry is a grave mistake Covert idolatry is a gross self-deception that arises from adopting the twisted logic of a little faith and a little idolatry and of thinking that no harm will come to me from a little idolatry in my faith. All believers are to dedicate themselves to Allah at every moment and to make no concessions on this matter, for these are core requirements of faith and reason. Therefore, they must not even entertain the thought that any person or entity other than Allah possesses any actual power. Qur’an reinforces this truth by stating: Say: “Praise be to Allah and peace be upon His servants whom He has chosen.” Is Allah better, or what you associate with Him? He Who created the heavens and Earth and sends down water for you from the sky by which We make luxuriant gardens grow–you could never make their trees grow. Is there another deity besides Allah? No indeed, but they are people who equate others with Him! He Who made Earth a stable dwelling place, appointed rivers flowing through its midst, placed firmly embedded mountains on it, and set a barrier between the two seas. Is there another deity besides Allah? No indeed, but most of them do not know it! He Who responds to the oppressed when they call on Him and removes their distress and has appointed you as vicegerents (khulafa’) of Earth. Is there another deity besides Allah? How little you pay heed! He Who guides you in the darkness of the land and the sea and sends out the winds, bringing advance news of His mercy. Is there another deity besides Allah? May Allah be exalted above what they associate with Him! He Who originates creation and then regenerates it and provides for you from out of heaven and Earth. Is there another deity besides Allah? Say: “Bring your proof if you are being truthful.” (Surat al-Naml: 59-64) As we can see from the above verses, all events take place because Allah wills them to. Forgetting this fact and imagining that anything can take place independently of Allah is to attribute equals to Him. Covert idolatry is the most significant obstacle to the emergence of true faith. One can only truly live by faith if one’s faith is pure and unsullied. Looking for a middle way or imagining that – may Allah forgive us – a person or an entity can have actual power or control is idolatry. Pretending not to understand this fact is useless and no more than self-deception. The subjects under discussion here are facts upon which Muslims must reflect and do their best to implement in their life as soon as possible. To imagine that one is immune to this danger and can live as a “half-Muslim” is not only highly irrational, but is also the cause of a troubled life. People must evaluate their earthly desires from the correct Islamic perspective and then identify and correct their errors, for no one knows when he or she will die and be called to account. People may not suffer great harm if they postpone resolving other matters. However, not resolving the matter discussed above is a grave danger and error, for it is of the utmost importance. Idolatry is the dividing line between faith and unbelief, and covert idolatry is a most deceptive wall that prevents people from seeing the truth, blunts their reason and foresight, causes them to forget why they are here, and leads them toward heedlessness with regard to the Day of Judgment. Once people recognize that they have fallen into idolatry, however, it is very easy to free themselves. All they have to do is to sincerely and properly appreciate the might of Allah, their Creator. If they think that by practicing what we have described here will enable them to achieve something very difficult or to act heroically, they would be mistaken. In fact, such an attitude would actually reflect their great insincerity, for Allah asks only two simple things from all believers: complete dedication to Him alone and complete belief in Him as the sole possessor of true power and control. Those who possess such a pure character may expect complete success, beauty, and blessings from Allah when they truly turn to Him without attributing any equals to Him, for: Allah has promised those of you who believe and do right actions that He will make them successors in the land, [just] as He made those before them successors; will firmly establish for them their religion, with which He is pleased; and give them, in place of their fear, security. “They worship Me, not associating anything with Me.” Any who do not believe after that, such people are deviators. (Surat an-Nur: 55) These believers’ situation in the Hereafter is revealed in these terms: … except [for] those who repent, put things right, hold fast to Allah, and dedicate their religion to Allah alone; they are with the believers. Allah will give the believers an immense reward. (Surat an-Nisa’: 145-46)

SMASHING THE IDOLS

Idolatry is a lifestyle common to those who grow up in societies that do not know the true religion. Heedless of Allah, they adopt their society’s deities and thereby ascribe equals to Allah without a second thought. As a result, most people never imagine that their deeds actually constitute rebellion against Allah and that He will punish them severely for their spiritual ignorance. Furthermore, they look askance at those who call them to Islam and to abandon that which they have made equal to Him. In fact, they find such words astonishing and incomprehensible. Makkah’s leading idolaters at the time of our Prophet (saas) reacted in exactly that same way. They believed in Allah’s existence, but equated almost all of their worldly affairs with other, minor deities. Trade, love, war, and agriculture – all had their own deities. This idolatrous order seemed perfectly natural and logical to them, and thus they were stunned when our Prophet (saas) rejected it and called upon them to believe in Allah alone: They are surprised that a warner should come to them from among themselves. The non-believers exclaim: “This is a lying magician. Has he turned all of the deities into One God? That is truly astonishing!” Their leaders went off saying: “Carry on as you are! Hold fast to your deities. This is clearly something planned. We have not heard of this in the old (ancestral) religion. This is merely something contrived.” (Surah Sad: 4-7) Our Prophet’s (saas) declaration that Allah is the Only God and that all other man-made deities had no true power totally confounded the idolaters. One of the most important reasons for this confusion was that they could not understand how a system based on serving only One God would function. Who would regulate trade if the deity of trade were abandoned? Who would support them on the battlefield if the deity of war were abandoned? If there were no deity of agriculture, how and from whom could they ask for water and a fine harvest? Due to their spiritual blindness, they could not understand that all of these deities possessed no real power: … in acknowledgment of the established tradition of Quraysh, their tradition of the winter and summer caravans: so let them worship the Lord of this House Who has preserved them from hunger and secured them from fear. (Surah Quraysh: 1-4) People living today make this same mistake. How, they may ask, can they live after abandoning all of the concepts and people they have regarded as deities and serve only Allah? The answer is quite simple: they must realize that only Allah possesses the power to create them, to cause them to continue living, has mercy upon them, and protects and watches over them. Their employer does not enable them to eat by paying their salary; rather, this is accomplished by Allah, Who created their employer with his or her own destiny and causes him or her to pay those wages. Events do not take place haphazardly and by chance; rather, they occur through millions of small divine interventions, each of which is in accord with His will. Allah created the world with a destiny and people, as revealed in Surat al-Takwir 29, have submitted to Him so completely that they cannot even ask for anything unless He so wills it: “There is no creature He does not hold by the forelock” (Surah Hud: 56). Satan may portray freeing oneself from idolatry as very difficult and complicated, and living by monotheism, purity, and faith as something quite impossible. But such claims are no more than mere apprehensions inspired by a self-identified liar: When the affair is decided, Satan will say: “Allah made you a promise, a promise of truth, and I made you a promise but broke my promise. I had no authority over you, except that I called you and you responded to me. Do not, therefore, blame me, but [rather] blame yourselves. I cannot come to your aid, nor you to mine. I reject the way you associated me with Allah before.” The wrongdoers will have a painful punishment. (Surah Ibrahim: 22) Given this fact, it would be highly irrational for people who are trying to be true and sincere believers to despair because of Satan’s whispered lies and apprehensions. A sincere change of intent is enough to liberate oneself from idolatry, for this will transform one’s idolatrous worldview into a monotheistic one. To put it another way, there is no need to illuminate all places so that someone wearing dark glasses can see them; it is enough just to take off one’s glasses. Idolatry blocks the light of truth in exactly the same way. Taking off one’s glasses in a single stroke is both easy and the only effective way to pass from idolatry to the life of faith and purity that pleases Allah. And, this involves no more than deciding to trust Him in all circumstances and to adhere scrupulously to the Qur’an’s commands and prohibitions. This sincerity and determination will inevitably bring with it His assistance and mercy, as well as the true path to salvation in both worlds. Only Allah can lead people to the true path. Thus, those who wish to live a life that will win His approval must constantly ask Him to guide them to the true path, help them to live an honest and sincere life, and know that He will certainly answer such sincere and honest prayers. They must never fall into Satan’s trap of pessimism by wondering How can I ever manage all of this? How can I ever acquire a sincere and unsullied faith? Rather, they must understand that Allah will turn them in the direction of the best path and protect them from all deviations, provided that they show true sincerity and determination, and enable them to live in the ease and joy that such knowledge brings. Those who abandon their false deities and turn to Allah alone will never be left empty and alone; on the contrary, they will attain the greatest peace, comfort, and security, for: Whoever has fear of [and respect for] Allah–He will give him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect. Whoever puts his trust in Allah–He will be enough for him. Allah always achieves His aim. (Surat al-Talaq: 2-3) For this reason, people who realize and regret that they are living in a state of idolatry must immediately stop worshipping their false deities, whether they be their possessions, money, businesses, or properties. None of their possessions actually belong to them; their daily bread does not depend on them, their great wealth may or may not continue to be enjoyed by their descendants, and so on, because only Allah controls everything and bestows upon people what He wills. Realizing this, people must not become proud because of their possessions; rather, they should consider their lifestyle and worldview very carefully and make the necessary changes. They must understand that whatever they possess belongs to Allah alone, that they are a test from Him, and that they must be used in a manner that will please Him. Making the intention to free themselves from any feelings of pride and ownership, they must utterly destroy these false deities. Their sincerity in this matter, however, can only be proven by their subsequent lifestyle and determination. For instance, they must be able to spend all of their wealth and possessions, when necessary, in His cause without a second thought or any concern for the future or from where their next meal will come. Completely trusting in Allah, they must always remember that only He can provide one’s daily bread and realize that they are utterly helpless before Him. As we have seen, the difference between monotheism and polytheism is generally one of intention and perspective. Our Prophet (saas) literally smashed the idols inside the Ka`bah, and Prophet Musa (as) burned the calf and threw its ashes into the sea. These were blows dealt to concrete manifestations of idolatry; the same physical actions can be taken against symbolic (covert) idolatry. The important thing is to smash the logic of idolatry, which can only be done by changing one’s intention and perspective. Therefore, the greatest change experienced by new believers takes place primarily in their own mind. While they might be able to maintain certain elements from their previous life, they will nevertheless have a totally new perspective and understanding. In short, their society’s social norms, their elders’ and ancestors’ beliefs, their own persona and desires, and the ideas of other people will become meaningless, for they will regulate their new life solely according to the Qur’an and to achieve His approval. By ceasing to serve and please many minor (and false) deities, they will surrender entirely to their Creator, like Prophet Yusuf (as), who asked: “Are many lords better, or Allah, the only One, the Conqueror?” (Surah Yusuf: 39). His words also apply to all idolaters for all time: (Yusuf said:) “What you serve apart from Him are only names that you and your ancestors have made up. There is no mandate for them from Allah. Allah alone is qualified to judge. His order is to worship none but Him. This is, in truth, the straight and upright religion, but most people do not know.” (Surah Yusuf: 40)