Idolized Lies

Are we idolizing the things we value most in life? For example, are we idolizing excessive greed for money, our stinginess towards those in need, our fear of making ends meet, thus keeping us from remembering the Almighty Creator? Do we idolize ourselves, our pride,  perhaps to our girlfriend or boyfriend , a beloved song of an artist, our blind attachment to a politician, a football team,  a leader we believe is beneficial for society, or even our own race?  

Let's take it a step further; could it be that we are idolizing our beloved children, those whom we cherish dearly? We could provide countless examples. Let's examine what we excessively prioritize... Our doubts, our fears...

There is a saying by Hz. Ali: 'Love the one you love with balance, for one day they may become the one you hate. Conversely, detest the one you hate with balance, for one day they may become the one you love. ' It's all about balance...

Have we failed to find our balance? Or have we truly lost it? Was this our purpose of creation?

Before we were born, we were alone; after birth, we encountered people in this world, our character formed, our tastes, our personalities, our loves, our dislikes emerged, and ultimately, we'll be alone again. So, which of our idols will accompany us? If our idols won't accompany us, why do we prioritize them so passionately and seek happiness in them?

Are we, through the trickery of Satan, directing our innate need for worship towards worthless things?

Did you think it would be easy? To find the Almighty Allah amidst such negativity, even among those who distort religion for their own gain. Why do you blame the Almighty Allah when you lose hope in people? The true challenge lies in abandoning the hardships, lies, and the deceitful pleasures of this world to find Him. We are in this world so that the good and the bad can be separated.

Of course, if we can't find the truth, we become prisoners of doubts and falsehoods. Falsehoods lead us astray from our goals and take us to the wrong places.

Let's look at life with impartiality. If you're rich and lose your wealth, you'll see how your so-called friends disappear from your surroundings. If you grow old and haven't instilled in your children the Islamic duty of respecting parents, you'll witness how those children leave you alone. If you're known for your beauty and suddenly lose it, you'll observe how those who you thought valued you distance themselves. If you're sick or in a bad condition, you'll understand how people look at you with pity or sometimes disgust. Don't we see these things in society?

Why don't we think about our tomorrow a little bit? We humans, as mentioned in the Quran, 'never reflect.' Being intelligent is one thing, but reflecting is something different.

Despite our disobedience, our wrongdoing, and our failure to fulfill what is commanded, our Lord still grants us the opportunity to live, protects us, and provides for us. Therefore, shouldn't we let go of these idols, cleanse ourselves from them, and believe solely in Allah?  

Here's a little secret for you: If you are good, kind, and compassionate to your parents as commanded in the Quran, your children will also treat you well when you get old. If you spend your youth obeying Allah's commands, it is Allah, the Most High, who will protect you in your old age. Many more examples could be given. And the hereafter?... The recompense for good is surely nothing but good.  

'Is there any reward for goodness except goodness?' (Ar-Rahman, 55-60)

The fundamental principle of Islam is based on 'La ilaha illallah.' Here, 'La' means 'there is no,' 'ilaha' means 'god,' referring to other objects of worship, and 'illaAllah' means 'only Allah.' It means 'There is no god but Allah.' . Another important implication is that none of the objects we idolize exists; we reject them and believe only in Allah.

Look at everything that keeps us from remembering the Almighty Allah! The Quran is universal. It speaks to all times. People in the past also had fears about livelihood, shelter, protection, and other worries. Has the era of ignorant people believing in idols truly ended? Or have the idols just changed their form? 

Let us conclude our writing with a verse related to this,  

“And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah. And if only they who have wronged would consider [that] when they see the punishment, [they will be certain] that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is severe in punishment.”(Al-Baqarah,2-165)

“[And they should consider that] when those who have been followed disassociate themselves from those who followed [them], and they [all] see the punishment, and cut off from them are the ties [of relationship],”(Al-Baqarah,2-166)

“Those who followed will say, “If only we had another turn [at worldly life] so we could disassociate ourselves from them as they have disassociated themselves from us.” Thus will Allah show them their deeds as regrets upon them. And they are never to emerge from the Fire.”(Al-Baqarah,2-167)