“Still there are some who take others as Allah’s equal—they love them as they should love Allah—but the ˹true˺ believers love Allah even more. If only the wrongdoers could see the ˹horrible˺ punishment ˹awaiting them˺, they would certainly realize that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is indeed severe in punishment.” (2:16)
In these verses, Allah describes the state of the polytheists in this world and their ultimate fate in the Hereafter. These individuals assign equals and rivals to Allah, worshipping them alongside Him and loving them as they should love Allah. However, Allah alone is worthy of worship, without any partner, rival, or equal. The Prophet ﷺ was once asked by `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud about the greatest sin, to which he replied:
“To appoint a rival to Allah while He alone has created you.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Allah states:
“But those who believe, love Allah more (than anything else).” (2:165)
True believers recognise Allah’s greatness, revere Him, and believe in His absolute Oneness. Their love for Him surpasses all else, leading them to worship Him alone, rely on Him, and seek His help in all matters. Unlike the polytheists, they do not associate partners with Allah in worship.
The Warning Against Shirk
Allah then issues a warning to those who commit shirk:
“If only those who do wrong could see, when they will see the torment, that all power belongs to Allah.” (2:165)
If these disbelievers could witness their impending punishment, they would abandon their false beliefs and turn away from their misguided ways. The idols and false deities they once worshipped will disown them on the Day of Judgment. Allah says:
“When those who were followed disown those who followed them.” (2:166)
The very beings they worshipped- whether idols, jinn, or even misguided leaders- will declare their innocence. These false deities will reject their worship, affirming that they had no power to benefit or harm anyone.
On the Day of Judgment, the polytheists will realise their error, but their regret will be of no use. Allah describes their state:
“And those who followed will say: ‘If only we had one more chance to return (to the worldly life), we would disown them as they have disowned us.’ (2:167)
However, this plea is insincere. If given another chance, they would return to their previous ways, as Allah mentions elsewhere in the Qur’an. Their deeds will be shown to them as a source of regret, but they will be utterly worthless:
“And We shall turn to whatever deeds they did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust. (25:23)
The Futility of False Beliefs
Those who placed their hopes in false deities will see their efforts reduced to nothing. Allah likens their actions to ashes blown away by a strong wind on a stormy day (14:18) or a mirage that deceives a thirsty traveler (24:39). Their false hopes will be shattered, and their only destination will be the eternal torment of Hell.
“And they will never get out of the Fire.” (2:167)
We Were Created to Worship: A Reflection on Modern Idolatry
Worship is an intrinsic part of human nature. Whether we recognise it or not, every person is engaged in some form of devotion. For believers, as mentioned above, this devotion is directed towards Allah, as they follow divine guidance to worship Him alone. However, those who turn away from their Creator do not escape the need to worship- they simply redirect it elsewhere. Without the anchor of divine guidance, people fabricate their own idols, whether in the form of celebrities, wealth, careers, ideologies, or even their own egos.
Modern Idolatry: Worshiping the Self and the Material
Throughout history, humans have created idols in various forms, from carved statues to celestial bodies. Today, idolatry takes on more subtle and insidious forms. People idolise pop stars, footballers, influencers, and material success. Some even elevate their own desires and egos to the status of a false deity, devoting their attention and energy to satisfying every whim and impulse. This shift is particularly evident in the modern world, where the self is glorified above all else.
In contrast, Islam teaches self-discipline, humility, and the suppression of the ego (nafs). The Islamic approach to personal growth is centered around refining the soul through submission to Allah, rather than indulging every desire.
Islamic vs. Secular Psychology: A Clash of Worldviews
One of the distinguishing differences between authentic Islamic psychology and modern secular psychology is their approach to the self. In Islam, the nafs is seen as something that must be disciplined and controlled. The ego is not to be worshiped but subdued, aligning one’s desires with the will of Allah.
Secular psychology, on the other hand, often promotes the opposite: the elevation and glorification of the self. It encourages people to indulge their desires, seek self-fulfillment at all costs, and place their own happiness above everything else. In doing so, it essentially invites people to worship the ego.
Psychotherapy and psychology, though often presented as neutral sciences, function as secular religions in many ways. They have their own doctrines, moral codes, sacred texts, and guiding figures. Many prominent figures in Western psychology have acknowledged that their work serves as a kind of surrogate religion, offering people a framework for understanding and navigating life.
Unfortunately, even some Muslims, in their attempts to integrate psychology with Islamic teachings, end up secularising the Muslim psyche rather than aligning it with divine guidance.
In today’s world, secular ideologies such as capitalism, socialism, and consumerism have become the new religions. Though they do not explicitly claim to be spiritual, they demand devotion, offer their own moral codes, and promise fulfillment to their followers. People dedicate their lives to these ideologies, sacrificing their time, wealth, and even their morals in pursuit of their goals.
This misplaced devotion is a clear warning from Allah:
“And those who followed will say: ‘If only we had one more chance to return (to the worldly life), we would disown them as they have disowned us.’” (2:167)
On the Day of Judgment, those who devoted themselves to false gods- whether idols, ideologies, or their own desires- will regret their choices. They will see the truth with painful clarity, but by then, it will be too late.
Islam reminds us that our purpose is to worship Allah alone. He is the only One worthy of devotion, the only One who can provide true peace and fulfillment. Unlike the fleeting satisfaction of worldly pursuits, the worship of Allah brings eternal reward and spiritual contentment.
Muslims must be vigilant against the subtle forms of idolatry that pervade modern life. Whether it is the glorification of celebrities, the blind pursuit of wealth, or the deification of the self through secular psychology, all forms of misplaced worship lead to the same disastrous end.
True success lies in recognising our purpose: to worship Allah sincerely, free from the distractions and deceptions of this world. Only through submission to Him can we find true peace, purpose, and salvation.
