One difference pertains to the objects of worship extending from stone...

One difference pertains to the objects of worship extending from stone, wood and idols to the Beloved Lord, and another difference is in the form and style of worship, which varies from dancing and singing to the most profound and subtle litanies { munajat } of the awliya’ {saints} of God. The objective of the prophets ( ‘a ) has not been to create the spirit of devotion in man but rather to reform worship in terms of its object and form.

The large sums of money spent on the construction of churches, synagogues, Hindu temples, and mosques; considering as sacred the national flags and heroes; and praising the excellences and values of individuals and even objects are all manifestations of the spirit of devotion which exists in man. Even those who do not worship God worship their spouses, children, credentials, ideology, creed, or path and they are ready to move forward along this way even to the extent of sacrificing themselves.

Worship has a deep natural root in man although he may be unaware of it, as Mawlawi (ar-Rumi)[^4] says: همچو ميل كوداكان با مادران سرّ ميل خود نداند در لبان Just like the children’s fondness of their mothers, He regards not the satisfaction of his desire in frankincense. God, the All-wise, has endowed man with all desires and instincts while also creating outside of man the means to satiate and meet these desires.

If man ever becomes thirsty, water is created (to quench it), and if there is hunger, food also exists. If man is endowed with the sexual instinct, spouses have been created for him, and if the sense of smell is created, things to smell have been created too. Among the profoundest feelings of man are the desire for eternity, love of perfection and the yearning for immortality. A relationship with God and worshipping Him guarantee the fulfillment of these natural inclinations.

Prayer and worship are the relationships of man with the Fountainhead of Perfections, familiarity with the Real Beloved, and seeking refuge in the Eternal Power. The Root of Worship Who could recognize God with all His perpetual qualities and perfections without resorting to subservience and obeisance to Him? Through stories and historical accounts, the Qur’an expresses the signs of His power and grandeur.