Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Peace be upon you, It is very important that we worship and seek help from God alone (Quran 1:5). Believing that anyone besides God can help us is idol worship. [Quran 1:5-7] You alone we worship; You alone we ask for help. Guide us in the right path; the path of those whom You blessed; not of those who have deserved wrath, nor of the strayers. 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. [Quran 23:88] Say, "In whose hand is all sovereignty over all things, and He is the only one who can provide help, but needs no help, if you know?" In different cultures and traditions, people ask for help from saints, prophets, messengers or even departed ancestors. The Quran tells us that once people cross the barrier between this world and the next, they never come back and are completely unaware of anyone praying to them (23:99-100, 10:29, 5:117). The dead saints, messengers or ancestors don't help anyone. When we ask a person for help in this world, we must do so knowing that the true source of help is God. We have the example of Joseph who exhibited dependance on other than God, and spent a few years more in prison because of that (Quran 12:42). May God allow us to ask help from Him alone. References: You alone we ask for help, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2016/aug/page2.html The Myth of Intercession, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix8.html Peace.