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A Study of Polytheism and Idolatry in the Qur’an

This text presents an analysis of polytheism with respect to God and idols, using the Holy Quran as reference. It also studies idolatry with respect to resurrection and refutes that concept logically while explaining the essence of monotheism.

Author(s): Sayyid ‘Abbas Sayyid Karimi (Husayni)

Translator(s): Kelvin Lembani (Muhammad ‘Abd al-‘Aziz)

Publisher(s): ABWA Publishing and Printing Center

Table of Contents

Foreword. 7

Chapter 1: Polytheistic Beliefs with respect to Allah  9

Allah, the only Creator and Governor of the existing cosmos 9

First verse 9

Second verse 10

Third verse 11

Fourth verse 12

Fifth verse 14

Sixth verse 15

Seventh verse 16

Eighth verse 16

Belief that Allah has a child. 17

Āyatullāh Sha‘rānī’s objection to Mullā Sadrā 18

First verse 18

Second verse 18

Third verse 19

Fourth verse 20

Fifth verse 20

Sixth verse 20

Seventh verse 20

Eighth verse 21

Ninth verse 21

Tenth verse 21

Eleventh verse 22

Twelfth verse 24

Belief that Allah has a spouse 24

Aversion to Monotheism. 24

First verse 24

Second verse 24

Third verse 24

Fourth verse 25

References 27

Chapter 2: Polytheistic Beliefs with respect to Idols 29

Equating idols with Allah. 29

The first proof: polytheists’ avowal of equality on the Day of Resurrection. 29

First verse: 29

Second verse: 30

Third verse: 30

The second proof: applying the word ‘god’ to idols 31

First verse: 31

Second verse: 31

Third verse: 32

Fourth verse: 33

Fifth verse: 33

Sixth verse: 33

Seventh verse: 33

The third proof: simultaneity. 34

The fourth proof: incompatibility. 34

First verse: 34

Second verse: 34

Fifth proof: ‘besides Allah’ 35

Sixth proof: belittlement if idols 35

First verse: 35

Second verse: 35

Seventh proof: polytheism is a great injustice 36

Eighth proof: the terms ‘partner’ and ‘idolatry’ 36

The Wahhābīs’ error 36

Ninth proof: lack of ownership. 36

Tenth proof: independence in affecting cosmic affairs 37

Eleventh proof: invitation to monotheism. 37

Twelfth proof: the Noble Prophet’s invitation to monotheism. 37

Thirteenth proof: sincere devotion in religion. 38

Fourteenth proof: reference to primordial nature 38

Fifteenth proof: detestation of monotheism. 38

Sixteenth proof: Sūrat al-Tawhīd. 39

Seventeenth proof: belief in the ownership of idols 39

Eighteenth proof: using the word lord for idols 39

Reasons for asserting that idolaters used to believe that idols were longitudinal with Allah and dependent on Him and critiquing those reasons 39

Al-Mīzān’s statement regarding idolatrous beliefs 40

The meaning of idols’ intercession. 40

Another explanation asserting that idols lacked independence 40

Two assertions that idolaters used to believe that their idols were longitudinal with Allah  41

Critique of Al-Mīzān’s statement 41

Summary of Al-Mīzān’s statements 43

An independent summary. 43

Permitted and forbidden intercession. 43

Conclusion. 45

Āyatullāh Zanjānī’s assertion. 45

A study and critique of Āyatullāh Zanjānī’s assertion. 47

A thorough response and critique of certain parts of Āyatullāh Zanjānī’s assertion  48

First verse: 48

Second verse: 48

Third verse: 48

Fourth verse: 48

Idolatrous beliefs described in Al-Mīzān. 50

Polytheistic beliefs that idols intercede independently. 50

First verse: 50

Second verse: 52

Third verse: 52

A critique of another part of Āyatullāh Zanjānī’s assertion. 52

A defense of Āyatullāh Zanjānī’s assertion and a response to it 53

References 55

Chapter 3: Idolatrous Beliefs with respect to the Resurrection  57

Two theories about idolatrous beliefs with respect to the Resurrection. 57

Response from “Majma‘ al-Bayān” 58

Idolaters and denial of the Resurrection. 59

First verse: 59

Second verse: 59

Third verse: 59

Fourth verse: 60

Fifth verse: 60

Sixth verse: 60

Seventh verse: 60

Eitghth verse: 60

Ninth verse: 61

Tenth verse: 61

Eleventh verse: 61

Twelfth verse: 62

References 63

Chapter 4: Idolatrous Religious Rites 64

Idolatrous rites 64

a) Slaughtering animals in the name of idols 64

b) Cutting and/or slitting the ears of animals 65

c) Slaughtering animals with the intention of gaining proximity to idols 65

d) Animals whose use was forbidden. 65

e) Apportioning yield from animal and crop husbandry between Allah and idols 66

f) Killing children on account of fear of poverty. 67

g) Ignominy for having daughters and burying female newborns alive 67

h) Worshipping and supplicating idols 67

References 70

Chapter 5: The Social Culture of Idolaters 71

References 72

Chapter 6: Idolatry is an Illogical Creed  73

First verse: 73

Second verse: 73

Third verse: 73

Fourth verse: 73

Fifth verse: 73

Sixth verse: 74

Seventh verse: 74

Eighth verse: 74

Ninth verse: 74

Tenth verse: 75

Eleventh verse: 75

Twelfth verse: 75

Thirteenth verse: 75

Fourteenth verse: 75

Fifteenth verse: 75

Is idolatry a reality or a delusion? 76

First verse: 76

Second verse: 76

Third verse: 76

Fourth verse: 76

The monotheism of polytheists in crises 76

First verse: 77

Second verse: 77

Third verse: 77

Fourth verse: 77

Awakening the primordial nature of polytheists 77

First verse: 78

Second verse: 78

Third verse: 79

Fourth verse: 79

Demonstrating the weakness of idols 79

First verse: 79

Second verse: 79

Third verse: 80

Fourth verse: 80

References 82

Chapter 7: Causes of Idolatry. 83

1. Not knowing Allah. 83

2. Self-worship. 84

First verse: 85

Second verse: 85

3. Blindly following their forefathers 85

First verse: 85

Second verse: 85

References 86

Chapter 8: Categories of Polytheists 87

The first category: calf-worshippers 87

The second category: worshippers of Jesus Christ and Mary. 87

Third category: worshippers of the jinn. 88

References 89

Chapter 9: Types of Polytheism. 90

1. Polytheism in Divinity. 90

2. Polytheism in obedience 90

Democracy and obedience to Allah. 90

The prohibition of polytheism in obedience 91

3. Manifest and hidden polytheism. 92

First verse: 93

Second verse: 93

Characteristics of manifest and hidden polytheism. 94

Characteristics of manifest polytheism. 94

Absence of the aforementioned characteristics in hidden polytheism. 94

Sanctimony and non-devotional deeds 95

References 96

Chapter 10: What is Tawhīd (Monotheism)?  97

The goal of creation is monotheism and refutation of polytheism. 98

Monotheism conforms to man’s primordial nature 98

The goal of prophets (‘a) is monotheism. 98

References 101

Chapter 11: The Etymological and Juristic Meaning of Worship [‘ibādah] 102

The etymological meaning of worship [‘ibādah] 102

The term worship [‘ibādah] in the Holy Qur’an. 102

First verse: 102

Second verse: 102

Third verse: 103

Fourth verse: 103

Fifth verse: 103

Concordance between the meaning of supplication [du‘ā] and worship [‘ibādah] 103

First verse: 104

Second verse: 104

Third verse: 104

Fourth verse: 104

Sincere worship. 104

The meaning of prostration [sajdah] 104

References 106

Foreword

In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful

The invaluable legacy of the Household [Ahl al-Bayt ] of the Prophet (may peace be upon them all), as preserved by their followers, is a comprehensive school of thought that embraces all branches of Islamic knowledge. This school has produced many brilliant scholars who have drawn inspiration from this rich and pure resource. It has given many scholars to the Muslimummah who, following in the footsteps of Imāms of the Prophet’s Household (‘a ), have done their best to clear up the doubts raised by various creeds and currents within and without Muslim society and to answer their questions. Throughout the past centuries, they have given well-reasoned answers and clarifications concerning these questions and doubts.

To meet the responsibilities assigned to it, the Ahl al-Bayt World Assembly (ABWA) has embarked on a defense of the sanctity of the Islamic message and its verities, often obscured by the partisans of various sects and creeds as well as by currents hostile to Islam. The Assembly follows in the footsteps of theAhl al-Bayt (‘a ) and the disciples of their school of thought in its readiness to confront these challenges and tries to be on the frontline in consonance with the demands of every age.

The arguments contained in the works of the scholars belonging to the School of theAhl al-Bayt ( ‘a ) are of unique significance. That is because they are based on genuine scholarship and appeal to reason, and avoid prejudice and bias. These arguments address scholars and thinkers in a manner that appeals to healthy minds and wholesome human nature.

To assist the seekers of truth, the Ahl al-Bayt World Assembly has endeavored to present a new phase of these arguments contained in the studies and translations of the works of contemporary Shī‘ah writers and those who have embraced this sublime school of thought through divine blessing.

The Assembly is also engaged in edition and publication of the valuable works of leading Shī‘ah scholars of earlier ages to assist the seekers of the truth in discovering the truths which the School of the Prophet’s Household (‘a ) has offered to the entire world.

The Ahl al-Bayt World Assembly looks forward to benefit from the opinions of the readers and their suggestions and constructive criticism in this area.

We also invite scholars, translators and other institutions to assist us in propagating the genuine Islamic teachings as preached by the Prophet Muhammad (s ).

We beseech God, the Most High, to accept our humble efforts and to enable us to enhance them under the auspices of Imām al-Mahdī, His vicegerent on the earth (may Allah expedite his advent).

We express our gratitude to Sayyid ‘Abbās Sayyid Karīmī (Husaynī), the author of the present book, and Mr. Kelvin Lembani (Muhammad ‘Abd al-‘Azīz), its translator. We also thank our colleagues who have participated in producing this work, especially the staff of the Translation Office.

Cultural Affairs Department

The Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly