Idol Worship and the Spread of Shirk - A Reflection with Salaams

As-salamu alaykum - I wanted to share a short reflection based on Imam Ibn al-Qayyim’s point about how widespread idol worship (shirk) has been among people. In brief, he explains that the majority of people on earth have been tested by idolatry. Only the true monotheists - those following the way of Prophet Ibrahim, alayhis salam - were saved from it. Worship of idols existed even before Prophet Nuh (alayhis salam). Over time its institutions, caretakers, and even books supporting that worship became common. Prophet Ibrahim (alayhis salam) prayed, “And protect me and my offspring from worshipping idols; my Lord, indeed they have led many people astray” (Qur’an 14:35–36). The nations destroyed by Allah because of their corruption were idol-worshippers; Allah saved the messengers and those who held fast to tawhid (monotheism). Ibn al-Qayyim reminds us of narrations and verses that show how many people go astray: the report that nine hundred ninety-nine out of a thousand will be destined for punishment, and Qur’anic reminders such as “but most of the people refused except disbelief” (17:89), “And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the path of Allah” (6:116), and other verses pointing to how the majority refuse guidance. If the fitnah of idol worship were not severe, its followers would not sacrifice so much - lives, wealth, even their children - for it. They often encourage one another to endure hardships for their deities, and news of earlier nations’ punishment does not always deter them; instead it sometimes increases their attachment and resolve. May Allah guide us to sincerity in worship and protect us from all forms of shirk. Ameen.