It is here that we should properly clarify the meaning of ‘...

It is here that we should properly clarify the meaning of ‘ ibadat from the viewpoint of dialect and the Qur’an and then the relevant duties and مصاديق (applicability) of the matters under discussion will automatically become clear. Tawhid in ‘ ibada is not something which some particular group can attribute it to themselves. Instead, all the monotheists, especially the Muslims are of one view in this regard.

What is of concern is the talk and discussion of a series of actions which some manifest them as ‘ ibada while others do not consider them to have any relation to ‘ ibada . Thus we have to talk and discuss about this matter in this section.

We have to define ‘ ibada in logical terms and clarify its limits and boundaries and hand over a criterion to the other person so that under the light of this he can distinguish the true ‘ ibadat from the false one.[^1] Limits of ‘Ibada and its Comprehensive Meaning ‘Ibada in Arabic is equivalent to ‘worship’ in English.

Just as the word 'worship' is having a clear and obvious meaning for us, in the same manner the word of ‘ ibada is having a clear meaning even though we may not be able to give it a logical definition, and interpretation. Undoubtedly, the meaning of ‘land’ and ‘sky’ is very clear and obvious for all of us but still, most of us are unable to define and explain them perfectly.

However this matter cannot prevent us from understanding the clear and obvious meaning of these two words if ever we hear them. 'Ibada and worship too are similar to the words ‘land’ and ‘sky’ Everyone is aware of its actual meaning even though we may not be able to define it logically as the actual dispensations of each of the words of ‘ ibada and ta'zim or worship and honour is clear for us and differentiating the instance of each from the other is simple and easy.

A lover who kisses the door and walls of the house of beloved one or keeps dress or puts it over chest or after death, kisses the grave of beloved will never be taken as a worshipper in the eyes of anybody.

The action of those who hasten for visiting the mummified bodies of great world leaders who are a centre of attraction for a group of people or visit their traces, houses and haven or for honouring them go into a few seconds of silence and hold ceremonies, will not be reckoned as ‘ ibada (worship) even though their humility and manifestation of love is in the rank of humility of monotheists in front of God.