Page 48 - The Worst Slander: Idolatry

CATEGORIES OF IDOLATERS

IN THE QUR'AN

I dolatry is referred from many points of view in

the Qur'an. Although the general logic is the
same, there are several ways of ascribing
equals to Allah. Examining the relevant verses reveal that all
idolaters share the trait of adopting false deities (e.g., spiri-
tual guides, law-givers, organizers, friends, and helpers)
other than Allah. But idolaters can also be classified accord-
ing to the things they adopt as their supposed deities. The
main varieties of idolaters are described below.

Those who falsely deify "powerful" people
The clearest example on this subject is the people of
Pharaoh. Since, in their heedlessness they ascribed a false
divine status to him. The idolatrous system established by
Pharaoh's court and people, as well as its features, is a uni-
versal model that can be seen in all ages and in all societies.
Pharaoh declared himself to be a god (Surely Allah is
beyond that), and his people submitted to that. Allah reveals
the perverse mentality of Pharaoh in the Qur'an:
But then he rallied and called out, saying: "I am your
Lord Most High!" (Surat al-Nazi'at: 23-24)