The Costliest Mistake In the Annals of Human History
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Shirk: The Costliest Mistake In the Annals of Human History and The Evil of Venerating Those Responsible for It Under The Pretence of Admiring Advancements of Worldly Sciences
Allah [The Exalted] says:
كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِۚ وَمَا ٱخۡتَلَفَ فِيهِ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوهُ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَتۡهُمُ ٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتُ بَغۡيَۢا بَيۡنَهُمۡۖ فَهَدَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لِمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ مِنَ ٱلۡحَقِّ بِإِذۡنِهِۦۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَهۡدِى مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ
Mankind were one community and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed. And only those to whom (the Scripture) was given differed concerning it after clear proofs had come unto them through hatred, one to another. Then Allah by His Leave guided those who believed to the truth of that wherein they differed. And Allah guides whom He wills to a Straight Path. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 213]
Ibn Abbas [may Allah be pleased with him and his father] said, “Between Nuh and Adam, ten generations followed the right path of worshipping Allah alone. However, they eventually differed and began worshipping idols, false gods, and images. Then Allah sent Messengers with clear signs and proofs”. [1] The practice of attributing partners to Allah originated with the nation of Prophet Nuh [peace be upon him] when they began exaggerating the status of righteous individuals and arrogantly ignored the teachings of their Prophet. Allah says:
وَقَالُواْ لَا تَذَرُنَّ ءَالِهَتَكُمۡ وَلَا تَذَرُنَّ وَدًّ۬ا وَلَا سُوَاعً۬ا وَلَا يَغُوثَ وَيَعُوقَ وَنَسۡرً۬ا
And they have said: ‘You shall not leave your gods, nor shall you leave Wadd, nor Suwa’, nor Yaghuth, nor Ya’uq, nor Nasr]. [2]
Ibn Abbas [may Allah be pleased with him and his father] stated that these individuals were righteous individuals from prophet Nuh’s nation. After their demise, Shaytaan influenced the people to erect idols at the locations where they used to gather and to refer to these idols by their names. Although the idols were established, they were not worshipped until the original initiators had passed away and the true origin of the idols became unclear. It was at this point that people began to worship them. [3]
The Destructive Consequences of Shirk
Allah [The Most High] says:
حُنَفَآءَ لِلَّهِ غَيۡرَ مُشۡرِكِينَ بِهِۦۚ وَمَن يُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ فَكَأَنَّمَا خَرَّ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَتَخۡطَفُهُ ٱلطَّيۡرُ أَوۡ تَهۡوِى بِهِ ٱلرِّيحُ فِى مَكَانٍ۬ سَحِيقٍ۬
Hunafaa’ Lillaah [i.e. worship none but Allaah], not associating partners [in worship, etc.] with Him; and whoever associates partners to Allaah, it is as if he had fallen from the sky, and the birds had snatched him, or the wind had thrown him to a far-off place]. [Surah Al-Hajj. Ayah 31]
This is the situation of one who ascribes partners with Allah in worship. Iman is like the sky, protected and elevated. So, when someone abandons Iman, it is like falling from the sky and facing terrible consequences and disasters, snatched by birds (of prey) that tear them apart. When someone who ascribes partners with Allah in worship abandons the protection of Iman, the devils attack them from all directions, destroying their religion and the (purpose) of their worldly life. [4]
In this verse, Allah has clearly stated that those who ascribe partners with Him and do not repent before their death will face utter destruction. They will have no escape and no chance of salvation. Their fate is like that of someone who falls from the sky, lands on the earth, and gets torn apart completely. The birds then seize their remains and the wind scatters them far away, carried by its powerful gusts. Therefore, anyone who finds themselves in such a predicament will find no solace or security. Instead, they will face inevitable destruction because what normally takes place is that those who plummet from the sky to the ground suffer severe dismemberment upon impact. The birds) of prey) seize his limbs and disperse with them, or the wind carries him to a distant land, thus leading to an unavoidable demise. The noble verse highlights the inevitable destruction faced by those who ascribe partners with Allah, an affair reiterated in another part of the Qur’an as follows:
إِنَّهُ ۥ مَن يُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدۡ حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ وَمَأۡوَٮٰهُ ٱلنَّارُۖ
Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode]. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Ayah 72]
Allah [The Exalted] said: [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغۡفِرُ أَن يُشۡرَكَ بِهِ – Verily, Allah does not forgive (a person the sin of associating partners with Him in worship), but He forgives lesser than that to whomsover He wills]. [Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 48]
Various verses demonstrate that this inevitable punishment is reserved for those who die while committing shirk and do not seek forgiveness. However, for those who repent before their death, Allah will forgive them, as sincere worship of Him erases previous sins. There are several verses regarding this, such as Allah’s statement:
قُل لِّلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُوٓاْ إِن يَنتَهُواْ يُغۡفَرۡ لَهُم مَّا قَدۡ سَلَفَ
Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease (from disbelief) their past will be forgiven]. [Surah Al-Anfaal. Ayah 38]
Allah says:
وَإِنِّى لَغَفَّارٌ۬ لِّمَن تَابَ وَءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحً۬ا
And verily, I am indeed Forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds]. [Surah Taahaa. Aayah 82] However, if one’s repentance is at the time of death [i.e. when the soul reaches the throat], it will not benefit him. [5]
Venerating The Advocates of Shirk Under The Pretence of Admiring Advancements of Worldly Sciences
The individuals at Daily Sabah are in dire need of a significant reminder, given the title they have assigned to one of their articles: “Archaeologists reshaped world history in 2022 with new discoveries.” According to their claims, these discoveries include the Oldest predator fossil, Tuscan statues dating back 2,300 years, the First-ever amputation, and Shipwrecks and gods. https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/archaeologists-reshaped-world-history-in-2022-with-new-discoveries
If Muslims authored this article, it serves as a reminder that they are investing their time in matters that hold no benefit for them in the afterlife. Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] stated:
“The focus on artefacts by Archaeologists in this era was not present during the era of the Prophet’s companions and the pious predecessors. Instead, Muslims began to imitate the Europeans and Americans, who aimed to revive pre-Islamic nationalistic traits like Pharaonism, Babylonianism, and Phoenicianism in the Muslim lands. They were largely successful in achieving these objectives, leading to the emergence of pre-Islamic national pride and the glorification of these nationalistic identities in Muslim societies. Imam Al-Bukhaaree said: “Abdullah Bin Muhammad Al-Ju’fee narrated to us that Abdur Razzaaq narrated to them from Az-Zuhree who narrated from Salim, who narrated from Ibn Umar who said that when the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] passed by Al-Hijr, he said, ‘Do not enter the dwelling places of those people who were unjust to themselves unless you enter in a weeping state lest the same calamity similar to theirs should befall you’. Then he covered his head and increased his speed till he crossed the valley. Yahyah Bin Bukayr narrated to us who said that Malik narrated to us from Abdullah Bin Deenaar who reported from Ibn Umar who said that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said to his companions who were at Al-Hijr, “Do not enter upon these people who are being punished, except in a weeping state, lest the same calamity similar to theirs should befall you”. [Sahih Al-Bukhaari. Numbers 4419 and 4420]
The two Prophetic reports illustrate the peril of entering into the places of those who have earned Allah’s wrath and were consequently annihilated for their disbelief and rejection of the prophets and their message. The Prophet prohibited entry into such places, except for those who fear Allah and dread His punishment. In cases of dire necessity, he may enter these locations while weeping. It is feared that one who enters the dwellings of those who have been punished may suffer the same punishment. It is legislated for those who approach these dwellings to quickly pass by while covering their faces, following the example of Allah’s Messenger. Do Muslims, including archaeologists and those who encourage them, comprehend what is embodied in this guidance from the Prophet, who speaks not from his desires? Additionally, Allah’s Messenger advised those passing through the valleys of Muhassar to hasten, as it was the location where Allah destroyed the people of the Elephant.
So, do those who dig up the artefacts of Ad, Thamud, the Ashaab Al-Ukh’dud, the Pharaohs, and the Babylonians, follow the teachings of Allah’s Messenger or blindly follow the enemies of Allah who establish partnerships to explore the artefacts of the destroyed nations to entice them (towards) the pride of the pre-Islamic era of ignorance? I and others have read numerous boasting by Muslims or those who ascribe to Islam, such as the statement of one of them, (as follows), “O Misree (i.e. Egyptian)! Be proud of the builders of your glory when people were sleeping”. He boasts about the Pharaonic artifacts such as the pyramids and other than them. [5.1]
However, if the authors of this article from Daily Sabah are non-Muslims, it is important to emphasise to them that the ultimate objective of human existence is to surrender oneself to the Creator through sincere worship, following the teachings of His final Messenger, and refraining from everything that contradicts this path. They must avoid being deceived by these discoveries. Imam As-Sadi [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:
The greatest evils of knowledge and contradictions arise when one becomes familiar with the creation without acknowledging its Creator, understanding the effects without recognizing the One who brought them into existence, comprehending the causes without acknowledging the One who caused them, and grasping the paths without understanding their true objectives. The lack in this particular form of familiarity is abundant and its negative impact is significant. Indeed, numerous atheists and those who have been misled by them possess expertise in the field of natural sciences. However, they confine themselves solely to this realm and remain oblivious to its connection with its Creator and the One who caused it to exist. Furthermore, when it comes to the marvels and hidden truths embedded within these natural sciences, they perceive themselves as the sole possessors of knowledge in this domain – knowledge that no one else possesses. This inflated sense of superiority leads them to become afflicted with arrogance and self-delusion.
They confine themselves to it and consider it as the result, the objective, and the aim, thus causing significant deviation and deficiency in knowledge and intellect. If they were aware of and affirmed belief in the true Creator and the One Who Controls all the affairs of the Universe – the One who connected the means and causes to His Qadaa Wal-Qadr, they would know that the means and causes are a manifestation of His Perfect Wisdom because Allah [The Exalted] is All-Wise. He placed everything in its rightful place, established a remarkable and orderly system for both the intricate and major matters, and provided everything that is sought after and desired with a means or cause, and a path that leads to it. If they were to connect these means, paths, and outcomes to Allah’s Qadaa Wal Qadr, their knowledge would be perfected and they would attain a level of certainty that cannot be attained by those who have not reached their level. However, they are content and proud of their limited knowledge of these worldly paths and their tangible outcomes, which has led them to arrogance. Thus, the statement of Allah [The Most High] applies to them:
فلما جاءتهم رسلهم بالبينات فرحوا بما عندهم من العلم وحاق بهم ما كانوا به يستهزئون
Then when their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with that which they had of the knowledge (of worldly things): And that at which they used to mock, surrounded them (i.e. the punishment)]. [Surah Ghaafir. Aayah 83]
Allāh said:
وجعلنا لهم سمعا وأبصارا وأفئدة فما أغنى عنهم سمعهم ولا أبصارهم ولا أفئدتهم من شيء إذ كانوا يجحدون بآيات الله وحاق بهم ما كانوا به يستهزئون
And indeed We had firmly established them with that wherewith We have not established you (O Quraish)! And We had assigned them the (faculties of) hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and hearts, but their hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and their hearts availed them nothing since they used to deny the Ayat (Allah’s Prophets and their Prophethood, proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, and they were completely encircled by that which they used to mock at! [Surah Al-Ahqaaf. Ayah 26]
This is the greatest evil outcome of self-admiration and haughtiness without any exceptions, and the most dangerous route that ensnares and deludes numerous individuals; hence, we beseech Allah to bestow upon us the pure knowledge that is fortified by sound intellect, divine text, and sound natural disposition- the knowledge that the servant comprehends in its entirety, and the knowledge that connects the secondary matters to its solid foundational principles, and its methods, reasons, consequences, and results are attributed to the Creator who initiated and created them. The one who holds this knowledge does not disassociate the creation from its Creator, nor separates its impacts from the One who caused them to happen, nor separates the wisdom, the hidden truths, and the incredibly organised systems in the creation from the One who Created and Perfected them, arranged them perfectly, and brought them into being before they did not exist. This knowledge yields the fruits of certainty, leading to inner peace, happiness, and achievement. It yields the fruits of good character and virtuous actions, beneficial for both religious and worldly matters.
As for the sciences of those who have strayed from the prophetic path – as previously mentioned – they are distorted, severed, and stagnant. Its usefulness is comparable to the benefits of physical industries, evident and observable. It does not yield the fruits of sound faith or integrity, nor does it embody mercy or good conduct; rather, its fruits are the opposite. Those with sound intellect and high intelligence are deeply saddened by the objectives and outcomes of these sciences, for a sound intellect comprehends and fully understands matters in all their dimensions. It engages with beneficial knowledge, utilises the talents and skills bestowed upon a servant of Allah, and combines the affairs about one’s well-being in this worldly life and the Hereafter. It encompasses that which benefits both the body and the soul, thoroughly examines principles and consequences, and establishes connections between related matters. Indeed, anyone lacking these qualities is deficient in their intellect, so what about their religion?!
Among the indications of those who have strayed in terms of religion and intellect is their deception by their own opinions and flawed intellects, as well as their ridicule of the intellects of the noblest human beings, including the Prophets, their followers, and those who provide guidance. Their arrogance is evident through their excessive behaviour, rejection of undeniable truths, and deliberate denial of the virtues of those who came before them. By obstructing people from the religion and path prescribed by Allah, they distort the teachings of the Messengers. They dismiss these teachings as outdated and irrelevant, much like the enemies of the Messengers did in the past. Unfortunately, many individuals, especially the young and inexperienced, have been led astray by these false beliefs. They must understand that true intellect can only be attained through divine revelation, the Qur’an, and the guidance brought by the Messenger. Allāh [The Most High] says: [إن في ذلك لآيات لأولي النهى – Verily, in this are proofs and signs for men of understanding]. [Surah Taha. Ayah 54] [لآيات لأولي الألباب – There are indeed signs for men of understanding]. [Surah Al Imran. Ayah 190]
They are people of decent intellect, rightly guided views, and purified manners. Can one find sound intellects that can be anywhere closer to the (perfect, unmatched, unblemished, upright) intellect of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] without whom the intellects and views cannot be illuminated except through his intellect? The perfection of the intellect is based on how much they have obtained from his intelligence, what he deems to be correct, and his guidance and perfect path which is free from error, so they nourish themselves with its light, guidance and the perfect course it leads to. [6]
Therefore, whether the article at Daily Sabah was written by Muslims or non-Muslims, they need to be reminded about the relationship between us and our forefathers. Allah [The Exalted] says: [قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ سُنَنٌ فَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانْظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ – Many similar mishaps [troubles, problems] of life were faced by nations that have passed away before you, so travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who disbelieved]. [Surah Aal Imraan. Verse 137]
Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Indeed, there were nations like yourselves before you, so look to their evil end. You have to know that the reason behind their evil end was due to their disbelief in the revelations of Allah and disbelief in Allah’s Messengers. They were the forefathers and you are the descendants. The main affair that connects you is your disbelief and the ruling on that disbelief is destruction. [7]
Imam Muhammad Bin Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: If it is said, “What is the benefit in narrating to us the stories of the destroyed nations even though this Ummah will not be destroyed like the destruction of the previous nations before it?”.
The Answer: Truly, there are two advantages to this situation: Firstly, it serves as a reminder of Allah’s blessings upon us by averting the destruction that could have befallen us, highlighting His mercy towards us. Secondly, the punishment inflicted upon wrongdoers in this world may also be a reflection of what awaits them in the Hereafter if they do not repent. This is emphasised in the verse: “Such is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the population of towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful and severe. Indeed in that (there) is a sure lesson for those who fear the torment of the Hereafter.” Therefore, it is evident from this verse that a similar fate may await wrongdoers in the Hereafter, and only Allah knows best. [8]
[1] An Excerpt from “Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Ta’dheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer”.
[2] Surah Nuh Ayah 23]
[3] Bukhaari 6/4920]
[4] Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 104-106. slightly paraphrased]
[5] An Excerpt from ‘Adwaa Al-Bayaan. Tafseer Surah Al-Hajj. Aayah 31. Slightly paraphrased]
[5.1] An Excerpt from “Baraa’ah As-Sahaabah Al-Akhyaar Min At-Tabarruk Bil Amaakin Wal-Aathaar”. Pages 11-14
[6] An Excerpt from Ad-Dalaa’il Al-Qur’aaniyyah Fee Annal Uloom Wal-A’maal An-Naafi’ah Al-Asriyyah Daakhilatun Fid Deen Al-Islaamiy. pages37-40]
[7] I’laam Al-Muwaqqi-een: 1/181
[8] Al-Muntaqaa Min Fawaa’idil Fawaa’id 123-124
