|
Cont’d from page 1
The prophet himself never asked people to do what they are attributing to him now. He was a humble servant of God and advocated devotion to God alone.
[3:79] Never would a human being whom GOD blessed with the scripture and prophethood say to the people, “Idolize me beside GOD.” Instead, (he would say), “Devote yourselves absolutely to your Lord alone,” according to the scripture you preach and the teachings you learn.
The Quran is God’s final message to humanity, confirming previous scriptures, and its message for our salvation is to “Worship God alone.” Are we obeying God?
Second, praising Muhammad constantly, instead of God, is Satan’s trap for idol worship. Idol worship is unforgiveable if maintained until death.
[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.”
Idol worship is the opposite of worshiping God alone.
Third, praising Muhammad is wrong because doing so makes a distinction among the messengers and prophets. The Quran tells us not to make any distinction among them. All are servants of God that brought the same message: “Worship God alone.” Believers submit and obey God.
[2:136] “Say, “We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters.”
Are we making such a distinction?
Elevating and focusing on Muhammad is tantamount to idol worship and disobedience of God. The majority of Muslims violate God’s order by insisting on putting Muhammad’s name with God in the prayer and declaration of faith. God is aware of what people do.
[29:42] “GOD knows full well that whatever they worship besides Him are really nothing. He is the Almighty, the Most Wise.”
Do we worship God or disobey and worship nothing?
Fourth, praising Muhammad (in the hopes that he would return us the favor) is wrong because intersession is a myth. Relying on Muhammad to help us into Paradise is wishful thinking and an eventual ticket to Hell, if we do not realize it before it is too late.
[10:18] They worship beside GOD idols that possess no power to harm them or benefit them, and they say, “These are our intercessors at GOD!” Say, “Are you informing GOD of something He does not know in the heavens or the earth?” Be He glorified. He is the Most High; far above needing partners.
It is clear in the Quran that no intercession can work against God’s will.
[2:48] “Beware of the day when no soul can avail another soul, no intercession will be accepted, no ransom can be paid, nor can anyone be helped.” Do we rely on a myth or the truth?
Fifth, praising Muhammad is wrong because we need God, and Muhammad cannot give us what we need.
[35:15] O people, you are the ones who need GOD, while GOD is in no need for anyone, the Most Praiseworthy.
Prophet Muhammad, or any other prophet, messenger or saint, no matter how close they are to God, cannot be mediators at God. This is only a common myth.
[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.
We need guidance from the One who created us, knows us, and can forgive us. God knows everything. It is God’s mercy and His system to send scriptures, messengers, and prophets to humanity to tell us to worship God alone, thus providing a road map for our salvation. Are we following the road map?
Finally, praising Muhammad is wrong because it makes no sense. Reflect on some of God’s qualities. God is in full control and aware of everything.
[2:255] “GOD: there is no other god besides Him, the Living, the Eternal. Never a moment of unawareness or slumber overtakes Him....”
God created the heavens and the earth and provided for its inhabitants. He controls life and death. Why praise something else that has no power? Why praise another human being? According to the Quran, the human being is weak. Do we worship something that is all powerful or needs help himself?
What makes sense is to obey God, follow the road map, worship God alone, and be appreciative of God’s mercy and guidance.
[24:55] “GOD promises those among you who believe and lead a righteous life, that He will make them sovereigns on earth, as He did for those before them, and will establish for them the religion He has chosen for them, and will substitute peace and security for them in place of fear. All this because they worship Me alone; they never set up any idols beside Me. Those who disbelieve after this are the truly wicked.”