Does calling on others (Du`a’) necessarily mean

Question Fourteen

Does calling on others (Du`a’) necessarily mean worshipping them (`Ibadah) and is it therefore a kind of polytheism?

Answer:

This question has been raised because some verses of the Holy Qur’an, such as the following ones, outwardly prohibit requesting anyone but God:

Does asking for help from others than God connote polytheism?

Question Thirteen

Does asking for help from others than God connote polytheism?

Answer:

Based on wisdom and on the logic of revelation, not only all human beings but also all phenomena in the world are in need of God to give them life as they are in need of Him to give them the ability to be effective. The Holy Qur’an says, “O mankind! You are poor in relation to Allah, and Allah is the Absolute, the Owner of Praise.” (35:15). In another verse, The Qur’an attributes all victories to God and says, “Victory comes only from Allah, the mighty, the wise” (3:126).

Is it not “Shirk” (polytheism) to ask the real interceders to intercede?

Question Twelve

Is it not “Shirk” (polytheism) to ask the real interceders to intercede?

Discussion:

The argument in support of the above question holds that intercession is Allah’s exclusive right, as stated in the Holy Qur’an. “Say Allah’s is the intercession altogether” (39:42). Therefore, asking others to intercede is not in accord with the principle of worshipping only the One God.

Answer:

The polytheism referred to above is certainly different from the specific ones, such as dualism and associating someone with Allah in creating the world and managing it. The above mentioned shirk or polytheism signifies worshiping something or someone other than Allah.