Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Peace be upon you, Traditional Muslims do not realize that praying at the mausoleums of a dead saint is idol worship, nor do the Christians who pray to Mary or the saints to intercede. Their reasoning is that the saints are closer to God and can help (Quran 39:3). Believing anyone (or anything) can help us other than God is an acknowledgment of the idol's power to help and constitutes idolatry (Quran 4:116). The Idols as Mediators A Common Myth [Quran 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. [Quran 1:5] You alone we worship; You alone we ask for help. God Answers the Prayers of "His Servants" [Quran 2:186] When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided. The Unforgivable Sin [Quran 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. *4:116 A simple definition of idolatry: Believing that anything beside God can help you. God tells us to implore Him whenever we have any need (Quran 40:60, 1:5, 2:286). Only God can relieve any hardship that might befall us. A true believer trusts in God and depends totally on Him alone (Quran 1:5, 6:17, 8:17, 10:107). References: The First Pillar of Islam (Submission), http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix13.html What is Idolatry?, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2013/dec/page3.html Implore God with the best prayers, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/1996/jan/page3.html Monotheism, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/monotheism/ Peace.