Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

Submitters who are devoted to God ALONE, and do not set up any idols beside God, are redeemed into God's eternal kingdom (Quran 2:62). On the other hand, idolatry is an unforgivable sin (if maintained until death), and nullifies all our works (4:48, 4:116, 39:65).

Common idols include children (7:190), religious leaders and scholars (9:31), property (18:42), dead saints and prophets (16:20-21, 35:14, & 46:5-6), and the ego (25:43, 45:23).  If we believe that anything beside God can help us, or give something more importance than God--we commit idol worship.  A submitter tries their utmost to be devote every day of their lives to God Alone, and avoid all forms of idol worship.

       The Unforgivable Sin
[Quran 4:48] GOD does not forgive idolatry,* but He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who sets up idols beside GOD, has forged a horrendous offense.

*4:48 Idol worship is not forgivable, if maintained until death. One can always repent from any offense, including idolatry before death comes (see 4:18 & 40:66).


[Quran 4:146] Only those who repent, reform, hold fast to GOD, and devote their religion absolutely to GOD alone, will be counted with the believers. GOD will bless the believers with a great recompense.

[Quran 6:162] 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.

[Quran 22:31] You shall maintain your devotion absolutely to GOD alone. Anyone who sets up any idol beside GOD is like one who fell from the sky, then gets snatched up by vultures, or blown away by the wind into a deep ravine.


May God help us remain devoted to Him Alone, and protect us from worshiping idols.

References:
First Pillar of Islam (Submission), http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix13.html
Idol worship, unforgivable sin, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/monotheism/idolworship.html
Monotheism, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/monotheism/
Unaware of idol worship, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/qhi/QURAN_Hadith_Islam_pg54.pdf
Quran, Hadith and Islam, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/qhi/


Peace.