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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Study of Polytheism and Idolatry in the Qur’an Chapter 6: Idolatry is an Illogical Creed Honestly speaking, what rational or narrated proof did idolaters have for their creed? It can be gathered from Qur’anic verses that they did not have any proof for their beliefs, whether in the realm of ideology or in the domain of rituals.

In brief, it can be said that idolatry is a man-made religion which is based on conjecture and delusion and is not founded on any heavenly book and/or rational proof. We will adduce certain Qur’anic verses in order to clarify this claim: First verse: “How could I fear what you ascribe [to Him] as [His] partners, when you do not fear ascribing to Allah partners for which He has not sent down any authority to you?

So [tell me,] which of the two sides has a greater right to safety, if you know.” [^1] Idolaters used to intimidate prophets ( ‘a ) saying that idols would most likely harm them and be wrathful towards them. Second verse: “They make the jinn partners of Allah, though He has created them, and carve out sons and daughters for Him, without any knowledge.

Immaculate is He and exalted above what they allege [concerning Him]!” [^2] It can easily be inferred from this verse that idolatrous beliefs were not based on any certain knowledge but were merely founded on a series of illusions and fantasies. Third verse: “They dedicate to Allah out of what He has created of the crops and cattle a portion, and say, ‘This is for Allah.’ So, do they maintain, and this is for our partners.

But what is for their partners does not reach Allah, and what is for Allah reaches their partners. Evil is the judgment that they make.” [^3] Allah mentions one of the idolatrous rituals, which is apportioning their yield from animal and crop husbandry between Allah and idols, and states that this belief was based on the delusions and fantasies of idolaters and that it was a belief devoid of any convincing proof.

Fourth verse: “That is how to most of the polytheists is presented as decorous the slaying of their children by those whom they ascribe as partners [to Allah], and confound their religion for them. Had Allah wished, they would not have done it. So, leave them with what they fabricate.” [^4] This verse indicates that idolatrous deeds were delusory and devoid of any proof.