Page 124 - The Worst Slander: Idolatry

122 THE WORST SLANDER: IDOLATRY

For this reason, people who realize and regret that they
are living in a state of idolatry must immediately stop wor-
shipping their false deities, whether they be their posses-
sions, money, businesses, or properties. None of their pos-
sessions actually belong to them; their daily bread does not
depend on them, their great wealth may or may not contin-
ue to be enjoyed by their descendants, and so on, because
only Allah controls everything and bestows upon people
what He wills. Realizing this, people must not become
proud because of their possessions; rather, they should
consider their lifestyle and worldview very carefully and
make the necessary changes. They must understand that
whatever they possess belongs to Allah alone, that they are
a test from Him, and that they must be used in a manner
that will please Him. Making the intention to free themselves
from any feelings of pride and ownership, they must utterly
destroy these false deities. Their sincerity in this matter,
however, can only be proven by their subsequent lifestyle
and determination. For instance, they must be able to
spend all of their wealth and possessions, when necessary,
in Allah's cause without a second thought or any concern
for the future or from where their next meal will come.
Completely trusting in Allah, they must always remember
that only He can provide one's daily bread and realize that
they are utterly helpless before Him.
As we have seen, the difference between monotheism
and polytheism is generally one of intention and perspec-
tive. Our Prophet (May Allah bless him and grant him peace)
literally smashed the idols inside the Ka`bah, and the