Islam Blog

There are three reasons why God(s) is/are worshiped in all religions. Allah says in the noble Qur’an (translation of the meaning)

Al-Baqarah - 2:2

This is the Book (the Qur’ân), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqûn [the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]. (Al-Baqarah 2:2)

Al-Baqarah - 2:218
Verily, those who have believed, and those who have emigrated (for Allâh’s Religion) and have striven hard in the Way of Allah , all these hope for Allah ’s Mercy. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful. (Al-Baqarah 2:218)

These ayaat highlight the three aspects or worship, which are Love, Fear, and Hope.

Every act of worship of a Muslim must be because of these three. If we analyze the concept of worship in different religions, we will find that their reason and concept of worship is a manifestation of at least one of these three. In some cases, they focussed on one of these factors, to the exclusion of the others and went in extremes. To elaborate:

• Love:

The Christians went to extremes in love for Allah and his messenger Isa (Upon him be peace) They deified Isa ibn Maryam and with their twisted concept of ‘God’s Mercy’ formulated and accepted the doctrine of trinity, and the concept of God sacrificing his only begotten son (naoodhubillah). Within Muslims, we have Tasawwuf or commonly known as Sufism, which resulted in certain people going to extremes in their love for Allah and being misguided (more on this in future posts insha’Allah ) and inventing the concept of ‘ishq.’ Tell me, will a man say he has ishq for his daughter or mother? Repugnant isn’t it?! Yet these people have no shame using this term for Allah .

• Fear:

A caste amongst the Hindus went to extremes in fear, which resulted in them worshiping snakes and dark goddesses like Kaali. In Muslims, we had the khawarij, who went to extremes in fear, which resulted in them making takfeer of Muslims who committed major sins.

• Hope:

The Jews went to extremes in Hope, which resulted in them believing that they are the ‘children’ of God and that by virtue of being born a Jew, one can attain salvation. Allah says (translation of the meaning).

Al-Baqarah - 2:80
And they (jews) say, “The Fire (i.e. Hell-fire on the Day of Resurrection) shall not touch us but for a few numbered days.” Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him to them): “Have you taken a covenant from Allah , so that Allah will not break His Covenant? Or is it that you say of Allah what you know not?” (Al-Baqarah 2:80)

In Muslims, we have the Murjia, who also (wrongly) claimed that anyone who recites the kalimah will enter paradise regardless of one’s deeds. Their logic: If good deeds do not benefit non-muslims, conversely bad deeds should not affect Muslims. This is an erroneous belief and there are many verses in the Qur’an and authentic Ahadeeth that refute this.

However, Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah are the ones who follow the most balanced path. Their worship is based on all three equally. They worship Allah because of:

- love for him
- fear of his wrath
- and hope for reward.

They do not go to extremes in either one. At first, you may think, ‘I know this already.’ However, it is important to highlight this because people have been misguided because of them faltering in understanding this concept. And we even have Muslims agreeing to the Christian concept of the ‘All Merciful God’ who does not punish, so you can do as you please. This idea should be recognized for the trap of shaytaan that it is.

And Allah knows best.