Page 82 - The Worst Slander: Idolatry

TWO BASIC CAUSES OF

IDOLATRY

T wo basic factors lead people into idolatry:

ignorance and insincerity. In order to avoid
idolatry, people must have the requisite and
sufficient faith and strongly eschew insincerity.

Ignorance

One of the most important factors revealed by Allah is
ignorance as regards to religious moral values:
If any of the idolaters ask you for protection, give it until
they have heard the words of Allah. Then convey them
to a place where they are safe, because they are a peo-
ple who do not know. (Surat al-Tawba: 6)
Only the Qur'an and the hadith contains the knowledge
essential for pure faith, for no other scripture clearly
describes what true belief in the One God is, defines deities
and idols, explains the form that pure faith should assume,
details the behavior and mentality that pleases Allah, shows
how people are misguided to idolatry, reveals satan's
snares of earthly desires and deceits, and discusses the
attitudes and behavior to be avoided. Our Prophet
Muhammad (May Allah bless him and grant him peace)