Page 58 - The Worst Slander: Idolatry

56 THE WORST SLANDER: IDOLATRY

satisfy all of them. As a result, they find themselves com-
pelled to exceed the bounds Allah has established for
humanity and to violate His commands and prohibitions. In
the Qur'an Allah reveals the Prophet Joseph's (pbuh)
speaking about this:
"I do not say that my self was free from blame, for
indeed the self commands to evil acts – except for
those on which my Lord has mercy. My Lord, He is
Forgiving, Merciful." (Surah Yusuf: 53)

Worldly desires may be a wish for wealth, boundless
property, and fortune. To achieve their desires, many peo-
ple resort to improper means (e.g., theft and fraud) if lawful
and legitimate ones are not available. Even though Allah has
forbidden such actions, worldly desires encourage people
to ignore acts of observance such as taking care of others
and giving alms in order to purify their wealth. Believers
abide by Allah's commands and avoid what He has forbid-
den. On the other hand, those who unwisely deify their own
desires obey their worldly cravings and so violate the com-
mands and prohibitions of Allah.
Lust is a major worldly desire and passion. Those who
follow their desires see no harm in adultery and even
encourage people to indulge in it, although Allah has for-
bidden it. Some people who deliberately go ahead in the full
knowledge that Allah has forbidden it, who see no harm and
feel no regret in such activity, and who do not repent sin-
cerely have clearly and ignorantly deified their desires and
thus ascribe equals to Allah. By definition, they are idol-
aters. Allah reveals in the Qur'an: