Page 108 - The Worst Slander: Idolatry

THE MOST DANGEROUS

FORM OF IDOLATRY:

COVERT IDOLATRY

S o far we have been looking at idolatry in its gen-

eral sense, where it stems from, how it emerges,
and the forms it takes. In this chapter we con-
sider a far more dangerous form of idolatry: covert idolatry.
Our beloved Prophet (May Allah bless him and grant him
peace) warned believers against this type of idolatry, for
which he gave showing off to people as an example.
Mahmud ibn Lubayd narrated:
The Prophet (May Allah bless him and grant him peace)
came out and announced, "O people, beware of secret
Shirk (idolatry)!" The people asked, "O messenger of
Allah, what is secret Shirk?" He replied, "When a man
gets up to pray and strives to beautify his prayer because
people are looking at him; that is secret Shirk." (Collected
by Ibn Khuzaymah)
Abu Musaa narrated:
One day Allah's messenger delivered a sermon saying
"O people, fear Shirk for it is more hidden than the creep-
ing of an ant." Those whom Allah wished asked, "And