Therefore, the meaning of worship is constituted by two elements, viz.

Therefore, the meaning of worship is constituted by two elements, viz. belief and action. Belief is related to one of the abovementioned characteristics while action refers to any gesture coupled with humility and humbleness, but mere belief or action cannot constitute what is called ‘worship’.

In addition to the fact that this point can clearly be established by studying the verses quoted above, other proofs and pieces of evidence also indicate the same: If we say that every gesture of humility before others – though not coupled with the belief in their Creatorship or Lordship – is considered ‘worship’, we must declare that the child’s meekness in front of her parents, the student’s humility before his teacher, the young’s show of respect to an elder, the ignorant’s humbleness toward the learned, and the like are all examples of worship.

As a result, doing these gestures is an act of polytheism in worship although all these actions are encouraged and appreciated by the religious law and reason. Meanwhile, polytheism is essentially evil and knows no exception. For instance, the Qur’an has described it as a great injustice ( ẓulmun ‘aẓīm ),[^11] and injustice is essentially evil.

Prostration ( sajdah ) in front of others is regarded as the ultimate stage of actual humility, yet as stated in the Qur’an the angels were ordered to prostrate before Prophet Ādam ( ‘a ),[^12] and Prophet Ya‘qūb (Jacob) ( ‘a ) and his wife and children prostrated before Prophet Yūsuf (Joseph) ( ‘a ).[^13] If humility without the belief in Godhood is an act of worship, it follows that the action of the angels, Prophet Ya‘qūb ( ‘a ) and his children are clear manifestations of polytheism in worship.

In principle, it must be stated that humility of an imperfect being in front of a perfect being is one of the universal precedents ( sunan ) governing the creation. Whenever an entity feels a sense of weakness and inferiority toward another entity that is considered stronger and more perfect, he/it impulsively feels a sense of humbleness and humility toward the other entity.

Then, in order to benefit from the said perfection and power or to be immune from any harm to be brought by the other entity, through a suitable gesture, he/it would express his/its humility and humbleness.