God’s religion – Monotheism |
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What is Monotheism?
Webster’s collegiate dictionary defines monotheism as the doctrine or belief that there is but one God. The belief in the Oneness of God, and the worship of God Alone is central to Submission. In many places in fact, we see the religion of submission being referred to synonymously as the religion of monotheism.
The Most Important Commandment*
[3:18] GOD bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and equitably, He is the absolute god; there is no god but He, the Almighty, Most Wise.
Laa Elaaha Ellaa Allah: First Commandment
[47:19] You shall know that: “There is no other god beside GOD,”* and ask forgiveness of your sins and the sins of all believing men and women. GOD is fully aware of your decisions and your ultimate destiny.
[3:95] Say, “GOD has proclaimed the truth: You shall follow Abraham’s religion – monotheism. He never was an idolater.”
[10:105] I was commanded: “Keep yourself devoted to the religion of monotheism; you shall not practice idol worship.
Monotheism – religion since Adam
All messengers since Adam have preached one and the same religion:
[21:25] We did not send any messenger before you except with the inspiration: “There is no god except Me; you shall worship Me alone.”
Abraham was the original messenger of the creed named “Islam” (22:78, Appendix 26). “Islam” is not a name, but rather a description meaning “Submission.” What did Abraham contribute to Submission? We learn from 16:123, that all religious duties in Submission were delivered through Abraham. Many of the verses in the Quran in fact enjoin submitters to follow monotheism, the religion of Abraham, the perfect religion.
[2:135-136] They said, “You have to be Jewish or Christian, to be guided.” Say, “We follow the religion of Abraham – monotheism – he never was an idol worshiper.” 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 and Jesus, and all the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters.”
[3:95] Say, “GOD has proclaimed the truth: You shall follow Abraham’s religion – monotheism. He never was an idolater.”
[4:125] Who is better guided in his religion than one who submits totally to GOD, leads a righteous life, according to the creed of Abraham: monotheism? GOD has chosen Abraham as a beloved friend.
[6:14] Say, “Shall I accept other than GOD as a Lord and Master, when He is the Initiator of the heavens and the earth, and He feeds but is not fed?” Say, “I am commanded to be the most devoted submitter, and, `Do not be an idol worshiper.‘ “
[6:161] Say, “My Lord has guided me in a straight path – the perfect religion of Abraham, monotheism. He never was an idol worshiper.”
[16:123] Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham,* the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper.
[22:78] You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion – the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you “Submitters” originally. Thus, the messenger shall serve as a witness among you, and you shall serve as witnesses among the people. Therefore, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and hold fast to GOD; He is your Lord, the best Lord and the best Supporter.
Monotheism – A natural instinct.
Before Creation, God summoned all of us human beings and had us bear witness that He Alone is our Lord. Thus all human beings are born with an instinctive knowledge about God. (Note: The Reader may be interested in the articles dealing with the Purpose of Our Creation, and the Introduction to Submission). Each one of us will be stand before God on the Day of Resurrection and be held accountable for our worship.
[7:172-173] Recall that your Lord summoned all the descendants of Adam, and had them bear witness for themselves: “Am I not your Lord?” They all said, “Yes. We bear witness.” Thus, you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, “We were not aware of this.” Nor can you say, “It was our parents who practiced idolatry, and we simply followed in their footsteps. Will You punish us because of what others have innovated?”
[30:30] Therefore, you shall devote yourself to the religion of strict monotheism. Such is the natural instinct placed into the people by GOD. Such creation of GOD will never change. This is the perfect religion, but most people do not know.
Worship God Alone, Avoid All forms of Idolatry
The Quran is full of verses that advocate the Worship of God Alone. Our prayers, worship practices, life, and death should be all devoted to God alone, Lord of the universe. Those who set up other gods besides God, will not develop their souls to withstand God’s presence on the Day of Resurrection. Hence they will have to flee to hell (exile from God) on their own volition.
[1:5] You alone we worship; You alone we ask for help.
[3:62-64] Absolutely, this is the narration of the truth. Absolutely, there is no god except GOD. Absolutely, GOD is the Almighty, Most Wise. If they turn away, then GOD is fully aware of the evildoers. Say, “O followers of the scripture, let us come to a logical agreement between us and you: that we shall not worship except GOD; that we never set up any idols besides Him, nor set up any human beings as lords beside GOD.” If they turn away, say, “Bear witness that we are submitters.”
The Unforgivable Sin
[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).
[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.
[28:88] You shall not worship beside GOD any other god. There is no other god beside Him. Everything perishes except His presence. To Him belongs all sovereignty, and to Him you will be returned.
[40:65] He is the Living; there is no god except He. You shall worship Him alone, devoting your religion absolutely to Him alone. Praise be to GOD, Lord of the universe.
[112:1] Proclaim, “He is the One and only GOD.
[112:2] “The Absolute GOD.
[112:3] “Never did He beget. Nor was He begotten.
[112:4] “None equals Him.”
God be glorified