Imam As-Sadiq (‘a) declares...

Then whoever thinks that he can reduce any of these stages, then indeed he has disbelieved.”[^4] Therefore, in the first instance, nobody has got any right of mastership and superiority over the other and the real master and the true king of one and all is only Allah. All are His subjects and it is obligatory on them to fulfill the right of servitude. They must obey only Him and subject themselves with utmost humility, modesty and lowliness in front of Him.

Soon they will deny them and will turn into their enemies.” (Qur’an, 19:81-82) Explaining the above verse, Imam As-Sadiq (‘a) says, “Those who have taken to gods other than Allah the Almighty, on the day of judgement their gods will be raised to oppose them and their worship.” Then Imam (‘a) said, “Worship and servitude does not imply prostration and bowing. In fact, worship means obedience and submission.

Whoever obeys a creature to disobey Allah, has in fact worshipped him.”[^5] Imam Al-Baqir (‘a) says, “You (Shias) are that group who have refused to worship the rebels.

Whoever obeys an oppressor, has indeed worshipped him.”[^6] Amir al Mu’minin (‘a) says, “Allah deputed Muhammad (‘s) with Truth so that he may take out His people from the worship of idols towards His worship and from obeying Satan towards obeying Him.”[^7] Anybody who thinks himself to be the master and ruler other than Allah the Almighty, he deserves to be left to himself. And anyone who takes a deity and lord besides Allah, He will hand him over to that deity and lord.