Previously we presented a short analysis on the monotheistic tradition of the Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny), and showed the originality and the innate nature of pure monotheistic thought with the conversion of the polytheists of the era of Abraham and the era of Prophet of Islam to true monotheistic faith.

Meanwhile, for the roots of monotheism to remain strong, the monotheistic belief should be protected; and its plagues should be countered. One of these plagues is polytheism, which has emerged in different forms and shapes throughout the course of history. In order to clarify the definition of polytheism, it is necessary to understand the meaning of monotheism. At the root of monotheism, there are the two elements of negation and proof. A monotheist believes that God Almighty is the one and only creator of the world. There is no god other than God Almighty. The laws of the world of creation and heavenly religions are only set by Him. Only His resolve determines the ultimate fate of mankind and the world, and all creatures in the universe ultimately return to Him. Any thought in contrast to this ideology is considered as polytheism, which should be negated by monotheists. In other words, any belief contrary to monotheism is considered as polytheism. With such an outlook, Prophet Abraham, as the role model of monotheism, negates the wrongdoings of the polytheists of his era, telling them: ‘Indeed we repudiate you and whatever you worship besides Allah. We disavow you, and between you and us there has appeared enmity and hate forever, unless you come to have faith in Allah alone…”

Meanwhile, the Prophet of Islam, in continuation of the path of Prophet Abraham, stood up against polytheism and forthrightly noted that: “Indeed I have been commanded to worship Allah and not to ascribe any partner to Him, To Him do I summon all mankind and to Him will be my return.”

However, despite the efforts and guidance of Prophet Mohammad, the polytheists of Mecca refused to accept God Almighty as the one and only creator of the world, and insisted on their polytheistic beliefs, while hatching conspiracies and remaining hostile toward the Prophet of Islam. Unfortunately, idolaters were not the only ones who fell into the abyss of polytheism. In fact, some of the followers of heavenly religions also deviated from the monotheistic tradition of divine prophets and were entrapped by polytheism. The followers of Zoroastrianism in ancient Iran believed that the universe has been divided into two parts of good and evil. On this basis, they believed in the god of goodness and god of evil.

Meanwhile, God Almighty, in negation of this belief, instructed the Prophet of Islam, Mohammad, to say, ‘Allah is the creator of all things, and He is the One, the All-paramount.’

Hence, God Almighty, who symbolizes all goodness, is the creator of the universe and whatever is evil is shaped and formed by human resolve.

The followers of another tradition, who deviated from the path of monotheism at some point in history, were Israelites. When Prophet Moses was staying at Toor Mountain for observance of prayers and worship of God, one of his disciples named Samiri, upon a satanic temptation, got hold of some soil remaining at the site of footsteps of Gabriel’s horse, producing for them a calf, a lifeless body, saying this is your god and the god of Moses.

Meanwhile, 70,000 of Israelites were impacted by his allegations, bowing down before the statue of the calf and worshipping it.

Prophet Moses, upon returning from Tour Mountain, was angered and astonished by the derailment of Israelites, and set the statue of calf on fire, scattering its ashes into the sea, so that there would be no trace of it. Then, Prophet Moses noted: Indeed your God is Allah. There is no god except Him.

Unfortunately, polytheistic inclinations were also observed among some of the followers of Christianity, who were entrapped with the false idea of Trinity.

Holy Quran has strongly negated this polytheistic standpoint. The 73rd ayah of Surat al-Ma’idah in Holy Quran notes: “They are certainly faithless who say, ‘Allah is the third person of a trinity’, while there is no god except the One God. If they do not relinquish what they say, there shall befall the faithless among them a painful punishment.”

Also, the 171st ayah of Surat al-Nisa notes: “… and do not say, ‘God is a trinity.’ Relinquish such a creed! That is better for you. Allah is but the One God. He is far too immaculate to have any son…”

In addition to idolaters, a number of supporters of Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Christianity were inclined toward polytheism, and developed a tendency toward deities. This is while the divine prophets always invited people to worship God Almighty, which is rooted in the innate nature of all human beings. The prophecy of the Last and Greatest Messenger of God was to end the derailment of human community and followers of Abrahamic religions from the divine and righteous path. Thus, God Almighty instructed the Prophet of Islam: Say, ‘O People of the Book! Come to a word common between us and you: that we will worship no one but Allah, and that we will not ascribe any partner to Him, and that we will not take each other as lords besides Allah.’ But, if they turn away, say, ‘Be witnesses that we are muslims.’

On this basis, Holy Quran calls on People of the Book to end their polytheistic inclinations and to maintain faith in God Almighty.

MR/ME