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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Study of Polytheism and Idolatry in the Qur’an Chapter 7: Causes of Idolatry In the previous lesson, it has been explained that idolatry was not based on any proof, whether rational or transmitted from heavenly books. On this basis, we have to find out what factors led them to this creed.

A few causes can be inferred from Qur’anic verses: Not knowing Allah The first cause of idolatry was not having the correct knowledge of Allah therefore equating Him with created things. It can be deduced from a number of verses that polytheists used to conceive that Allah was the same as created beings and that He had a spouse and offspring. Jews used to believe that Ezra was the son of Allah and Christians used to maintain that Jesus Christ was the son of God.

They even used to believe that Allah had taken a spouse, as can be inferred from the following verses: “Exalted be the majesty of our Lord, He has taken neither any spouse nor son.” [^1] “Say, ‘He is Allah, the One. Allah is the All-embracing.

He neither begat, nor was begotten, nor has He any equal’.” [^2] In “ Nahj al-Balāghah ”, Imām ‘Alī ( ‘a ) has excellently explained the ignorance of polytheists: “He originated the creation without any example which He could follow and without any specimen prepared by any known creator that was before Him. He showed us the realm of His might, and such wonders which speak of His wisdom.

The confession of the created things that their existence owes itself to Him made us realize that all argument has been finished about knowing Him (so that there is no excuse against it.) The signs of His creative power and standard of His wisdom are fixed in the wonderful things He has created. Whatever He has created is an argument in His favor and a guide towards Him. Even a silent thing is a guide towards Him as though it speaks, and its guidance towards the Creator is clear. O Allah!

I stand witness that he who likens Thee with the separateness of the limbs or with the joining of the extremities of his body did not acquaint his inner self with knowledge about Thee, and his heart did not secure conviction to the effect that there is no partner for Thee.