Page 88 - The Worst Slander: Idolatry

86 THE WORST SLANDER: IDOLATRY

their insincere excuses. They often convince themselves of
this "truth," for almost all of them state, when asked, that
they deserve of Paradise.
However, Allah tells us in the Qur'an something different:
those who knowingly turn toward idolatry, despite knowing
the truth, have lost the ability to reason. Thus, there is no
point to looking for reason or logic in their incomprehensi-
ble and insincere double standards. Bearing this in mind,
we can see that both unawareness and a failure to appreci-
ate Allah properly underlie their insincerity and the ascrip-
tion of equals to Allah that originates from it. Allah reveals
this situation of idolaters in the Surat al-Zumar:
They do not measure Allah with His true measure. The
whole earth will be a mere handful for Him on the Day of
Rising, and the heavens will be folded up in His right
hand. Glory be to Him! He is exalted above the partners
they ascribe! (Surat al-Zumar: 67)
Hypocritical and insincere idolaters are a danger to
themselves and all others, for they encourage others to fol-
low them. The only escape from this lies in sincerity and the
knowledge that Allah may bestow salvation upon them if
they repent sincerely. This process involves turning to Allah
with a sincere heart by beginning to base their life on His
approval, learning the truth in the Qur'an and the hadith,
and applying what they learn to their life. However, they will
be successful only if they submit fully and unconditionally to
Him as soon as possible and hope for His mercy. Allah
reveals this fact in the Qur'an: