What is a Servant (abd) and What is Servitude/Servanthood (ibadah)?
Abd (العبد) means "servant" in English.
In the Quran, the word "abd," meaning servant, is used for Prophet Muhammad and other prophets, as well as for jinn and even angels.
According to the Quran, then all of creation are servants of Allah.
There is no one in the heavens and earth but that he comes to the Most Merciful as a servant.
And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [Muhammad], then produce a surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah, if you should be truthful.
O descendants of those We carried [in the ship] with Noah. Indeed, he was a grateful servant.
And remember Our servants, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - those of strength and [religious] vision.
And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me(Alone).
And they have made the angels, who are servants of the Most Merciful, females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be questioned.
If a person becomes a slave to another, the word "abd" is used to mean slave. It is also known as a servant who is bought and sold.
Allah presents an example: a slave [who is] owned and unable to do a thing and he to whom We have provided from Us good provision, so he spends from it secretly and publicly. Can they be equal? Praise to Allah! But most of them do not know.
There are also those who are enslaved to the world and its possessions. This refers to individuals who dedicate themselves to serving and safeguarding the world.
In this context, it can be said that not every human being is a servant of Allah.
In this context, the term "servant" does not refer to a created being, but rather to someone who is a sincere and devoted servant of Allah.
To be a servant of Allah means to dedicate oneself to Him, to submit to Him, to surrender to Him.
5. And who is more astray than he who invokes besides Allah those who will not respond to him until the Day of Resurrection, and they, of their invocation, are unaware.
6. And when mankind are gathered (on the Day of Resurrection), they (false deities) will become enemies for them and will deny their worshipping.
The following verse states that the reason for refraining from being a servant of Allah is pride.
Following this, those who are not arrogant are described as "those who believe and do good deeds," and it is mentioned that Allah will give them their reward.
If arrogance, that is, the belief that one is superior to all needs, leads to an inability to be a true servant of Allah, then being a true servant of Allah means "having faith and performing good deeds with an attitude that humbles oneself before God, does not look down on others, and avoids arrogance."
172. The Messiah would never disdain being a servant of Allah, nor would the angels brought near [to Him]. And whoever disdains His worship and is arrogant, He will gather them all toward Him.
173. And as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, He will give them in full their rewards and grant them extra from His bounty. But as for those who disdained and were arrogant, He will punish them with a painful punishment, and they will not find for themselves besides Allah any protector or helper.
Although the following verses mention angels, they provide examples from Allah's servants to humans regarding the relationship between pride and servitude.
To Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and the earth. And those near Him are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, nor do they tire.
Indeed, those who are near your Lord are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, and they exalt Him, and to Him they prostrate.
Along with arrogance, the following verse states, "Pray to Me, and I will answer you," and then concludes , "Those who abandon worship of Allah and become arrogant will go to Hell," thus touching upon the relationship between worship and prayer .
And your Lord says, "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.
The dialogue between the Creator and the created has manifested itself as revelation, from Allah to humanity. When we consider this dialogue from humanity to Allah, the activity we call servitude emerges.
From a human perspective, the essence of worship is to feel Allah as a consciousness that encompasses one's entire being. Expressing this feeling through prayers and actions is a secondary matter. This secondary aspect can take dozens, perhaps hundreds, of forms. This is why the scope of worship/servitude in the Quran is not limited to anything specific. It refers to all actions performed for Allah.
Similarly, as an example of the relationship between worship and prayer, the people of Prophet Abraham stated that they worshipped idols, and Prophet Abraham responded by asking, "Do they hear you when you beg/pray?"
71. They said, "We worship idols and remain to them devoted."
72. He said, "Do they hear you when you supplicate?
73. Or do they benefit you, or do they harm?"
74. They said, "But we found our fathers doing thus."
When we come to the root of the verb, the word "ibadah," which is the infinitive of the verb "abd," means to worship, and the word "abid" means one who worships or serves .
As a religious term, worship refers to the specific attitudes and behaviors a person displays with the intention of showing respect, love, and obedience to Allah, and gaining His pleasure; it also generally encompasses thoughts, feelings, and words of the same nature.
If the Semitic origin of the word "Abd" is investigated, it is seen that the term "avodah" is used, which is derived from the Hebrew root "avd", meaning "to work, to serve".
"Servitude-ibadah" refers to the general name for the work(s) (attitudes, thoughts, feelings, words, etc.) done in the effort to be a servant of Allah.
When considering what constitutes a person's work for Allah, their service to Allah, the concept of "ʿamal-deed" comes into play. In the verse below, the phrase "those who do good deeds" is translated as " those who perform righteous acts".
"ʿAmal" refers to any action that occurs voluntarily from a living being. However, none of the actions attributed to animals are called "Amal." Whether good or bad, only the intentional actions of humans are considered "amal." In a general sense, "amal" means work or labor; in a specific sense, it includes acts of worship. Contrary to traditional religious theories, not only acts of worship but all activities resulting from a person's intention are considered "amal." Thus, worship is explained as just one of the "amals" that a person performs in servitude to Allah.
Allah has promised those who have believed among you and done righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession [to authority] upon the earth just as He granted it to those before them and that He will surely establish for them [therein] their religion which He has preferred for them and that He will surely substitute for them, after their fear, security, [for] they worship Me, not associating anything with Me. But whoever disbelieves after that - then those are the defiantly disobedient.
When we consider worship in a specific sense, Allah, the creator of everything, has revealed the behavior and lifestyle He has determined for His creations in various ways, and finally compiled all these revelations in the Quran. In light of these facts, "worship-ibadah" can also be defined as the performance of the duties revealed to His servants by Allah through the Quran, which is a set of instructions, with unconditional obedience and submission.
This has been further specialized, reduced to specific actions, thus causing the breadth of its scope to be forgotten. In this case, the things to be done for servitude to Allah include reading, writing, being clean, advising others, protecting orphans, not consuming the property of orphans, always earning and eating lawfully, enjoining good and forbidding evil (being active in society and commanding good and preventing evil), being truthful, honest, and trustworthy, not cheating in weights and measures, not giving or receiving bribes, staying away from adultery and fornication, etc. Given this, to push hundreds of the duties given by Allah into the background and cling to popular slogans like "The pillars of Islam are five" is not a correct understanding of Islam.
O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allah), Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become Al-Muttaqun(pious-godwary-God consciousness person)
Linguistically, "piety" means protecting something from things that would cause it distress or harm.
From a religious perspective, it is about protecting and shielding the self from things that would lead to sin.
"Serving Allah" signifies a person's attainment of piety, that is, their encounter with a sense of responsibility, their awareness and responsible behavior, in short, their sensitivity to the creative power, and presents this as the justification for servitude.
Similarly, the verses that address the necessity of pious behavior after the Prophet Muhammad and previous prophets conveyed the command to worship Allah to their communities are listed below:
And to (the tribe of)`Ad (We sent) their brother Hud. He said: "O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other god but Him. Will you then not have Taqwa"
Certainly We sent Noah to his people, and he said, ‘O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other god besides Him. Will you not then be wary(Taqwa) [of Him]?’
and We sent them an apostle(messenger) from among themselves, saying, ‘Worship Allah! You have no other god besides Him. Will you not then be wary(Taqwa) [of Him]?’
And (remember) Ibrahim when he said to his people: "Worship Allah, and have Taqwa(conscious-wary) of Him, that is better for you if you know."
"That you should worship Allah, and have Taqwa(conscious-wary) of Him, and obey me,"
As we have seen from the verses so far, the following verses highlight that avoiding arrogance, believing and doing good deeds, praying, being pious, and worshipping Allah are all based on the Quran :
It is not conceivable that a human being unto whom Allah had granted revelation, and sound judgment(hikmah-wisdom), and prophethood, should thereafter have said unto people, "Worship me beside Allah"; but rather [did he exhort them], "Become men of Allah by spreading the knowledge of the divine writ(Qur'an), and by your own deep study [thereof]."
We are asked to dedicate ourselves to Allah by studying and teaching from the Book. With this verse, Allah is essentially telling people not to fall into the trap of those who say, "Be my servants," but rather, "The path you should follow is the Quran. Dedicate yourselves to Allah by studying, learning, and teaching it." This is a magnificent way of showing people the right path.
And again, emphasis was placed on the Quran, stating that it is a light that guides people to the right path.
And thus did We reveal to you an inspired book by Our command. You did not know what the Book was, nor (what) the faith (was), but We made it a light, guiding thereby whom We please of Our servants; and most surely you show the way to the right path:
Another verse below explains that the excuse given by unbelievers for their inability to be sincere servants of Allah is that they too have not been given a book.
168. "If we had a reminder as had the men of old (before the coming of Prophet Muhammad SAW as a Messenger of Allah).
169. "We would have been the chosen servants of Allah."
The verse below states that the only thing that should enable a person to worship/serve Allah is the Quran .
1. Alif. Lam. Ra. A Scripture whose Verses were perfected, then explained. From the presence of One Wise and Aware.
2. That you shall worship none but Allah. “I am a warner to you from Him, and a bearer of good news(glad tidings).”
The practice of the Quran, as lived out, requires that worship be performed by dedicating one's faith solely to Allah.
We sent down to you the Book with the truth, so serve Allah, devoting your religion to Him.
Say, “I was commanded to serve Allah, devoting my religion exclusively to Him.
Say: "Allah Alone I worship by doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only." (dedicating my religion to Him alone)
And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, making religion purely for Him alone, Hunafa'(as monotheists), and that they perform Salah and give Zakah, and that is the right religion.
Another aspect mentioned regarding servitude to Allah is "patience". It is conveyed that people must struggle against their carnal desires through servitude.
Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them - so worship Him and have patience for His worship. Do you know of any similarity to Him?"
Those who perform their acts of worship solely and exclusively for Him are informed that they should "give thanks to Allah" for the countless blessings bestowed upon them.
O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.
So eat of the lawful and good food which Allah has provided for you. And be grateful for the Graces of Allah, if it is He Whom you worship.
66. No! Worship only Allah and be among those who are grateful!
They made for him what he willed of elevated chambers, statues, bowls like reservoirs, and stationary kettles. [We said], "Work, O family of David, in gratitude." And few of My servants are grateful.
You only worship, besides Allah, idols, and you produce a falsehood. Indeed, those you worship besides Allah do not possess for you [the power of] provision. So seek from Allah provision and worship Him and be grateful to Him. To Him you will be returned."
For most people, the act of worship appears to be primarily about observing prayer(salat). However, the Quran shows us that the act of worship is a much deeper concept than just prayer. The words Allah spoke to Moses were these:
(20:14)
"Verily! I am Allah! La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat/establish prayer) for My Remembrance.
The separate phrases "Worship me and perform prayer" indicate that worshiping Allah is not limited to performing prayer alone.
Worship is the pinnacle of the feeling of exaltation. Such a feeling is experienced in the presence of the power that bestows the greatest of blessings. The greatest of these blessings is the blessing of life. Therefore, worship is directed solely and exclusively to Allah, the giver of the blessing of life.
The act of worship is a state of uninterrupted connection between mind, body, and heart. It is the acceptance of Allah in our lives with a sublime spiritual awareness. In this sense, the act of worship is much-needed nourishment for the 'self' (nafs). Without worship dedicated solely to God, one cannot attain inner peace and ultimately true happiness. Our physical bodies are in a constant state of worship, submitting to God's will. All our body organs and tissues are meticulously designed and predetermined by Allah to function in a way over which we have no control. Every organ and cycle in our body is in a state of constant submission to God's will. However, the self is given the freedom of choice. If the self chooses the same path as the body, harmony will be achieved between body and self, and the reward will be true happiness. On the other hand, if the self chooses not to worship God because it is rebellious, ungrateful, arrogant, or egoistic, then no matter how rich or high-status a person may be, they can never attain true happiness.
The believer's goal is to glorify and embrace Allah, their object of worship. Other blessings and benefits will naturally follow. What is incumbent upon a person is not to make these secondary goals their primary objective in their inner world. If this is not done, and secondary goals are prioritized, all expected results will be lost.
In fact, the acceptance of Allah and the worship/servitude of beings, including humans, is mentioned in many places. Let's hear the reason from their own words:
Surely, the religion is for Allah only. And those who take Auliya' (protectors and helpers) besides Him: "We worship them only that they may bring us near to Allah." Verily, Allah will judge between them concerning that wherein they differ. Truly, Allah guides not him who is a liar, and a disbeliever.
What are the things we absolutely should not worship?
(In other words, what should we not adore...)
The Quran asks believers to ask themselves these questions:
- To whom should we worship?
- To whom should we never worship?
Most believers seem uncomfortable with the first question. They will say, "Of course we worship Allah!" However, the Quran states that what a person worships is not necessarily what they say they worship, but rather what or whom occupies their mind most of the time.
The Quran commands humanity "not to worship Satan" in the following two verses:
O my father, do not worship Satan. Indeed Satan has ever been, to the Most Merciful, disobedient.
Did I not enjoin upon you, O children of Adam, that you not worship Satan [for] indeed, he is to you a clear enemy
The following verses are also related to worshipping Jinn and Angels:
40. And [mention] the Day when He will gather them all and then say to the angels, "Did these [people] used to worship you?"
41. They will say, "Exalted are You! You, [O Allah], are our benefactor not them. Rather, they used to worship the jinn; most of them were believers in them."
19. And they have made the angels, who are servants of the Most Merciful, females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be questioned.
20. And they said, "If the Most Merciful had willed, we would not have worshipped them." They have of that no knowledge. They are not but falsifying.
And they say, "The Most Merciful has taken a son." Exalted is He! Rather, they are [but] honored servants.
158. And they have claimed between Him and the jinn a lineage, but the jinn have already known that they [who made such claims] will be brought to [punishment].
159. Exalted is Allah above what they describe,
160. Except the chosen servants of Allah [who do not share in that sin].
161. So indeed, you [disbelievers] and whatever you worship,
162. You cannot tempt [anyone] away from Him
163. Except he who is to [enter and] burn in the Hellfire.
Verses regarding not worshipping things/people besides Allah:
The reason for the numerous verses under this heading can be considered to be to provide more warnings for those who find it difficult to discern.
They worship besides Allah that which neither causes them any harm, nor brings them any benefit, and they say, ‘These are our intercessors with Allah.’ Say, ‘Will you inform Allah about something He does not know in the heavens or on the earth?’ Immaculate is He and exalted above [having] any partners that they ascribe [to Him]!
Say: "How do you worship besides Allah something which has no power either to harm or to benefit you? But it is Allah Who is the All-Hearer, All-Knower."
Say: "I have been forbidden to worship those whom you invoke (worship) besides Allah."
Say: "I will not follow your vain desires. If I did, I would go astray, and I would not be one of the rightly guided."
"You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command (or the judgement) is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not.
They worship besides Allah what has no power to provide them with anything from the heavens and the earth, nor are they capable [of anything].
66. [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: "Do you then worship besides Allah, things that can neither profit you, nor harm you?
67. "Fie upon you, and upon that which you worship besides Allah! Have you then no sense?"
Certainly! You (disbelievers) and that which you are worshipping now besides Allah, are (but) fuel for Hell! (Surely), you will enter it.
92. And it will be said to them, "Where are those you used to worship
93 besides Allah? Do they help you, or do they help each other?"
And ask those of Our Messengers whom We sent before you: "Did We ever appoint aliha (gods) to be worshipped besides the Most Beneficent (Allah)?"
For more example verses about this subject: (16:35), (22:71), (25:17), (25:55), (27:43), (29:17), (37:22-23), (10:104-105), (40:66), (60:4), (39:15), (9:31), (22:11), (19:82), (37:85-86), (19:49)
Verses that state we should not worship anyone other than Allah:
And (remember) when We took a covenant from the Children of Israel, (saying): Worship none but Allah (alone) and be dutiful and good to parents, and to kindred, and to orphans and (the poor), and speak good to people and perform As-Salah and give Zakah. Then you slid back, except a few of you, while you are backsliders.
Say: "O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: "Bear witness that we are Muslims."
"That you worship none but Allah, surely, I fear for you the torment of a painful Day."
(The young men said to one another:)And when you withdraw from them, and that which they worship, except Allah, then seek refuge in the cave; your Lord will open a way for you from His mercy and will make easy for you your affair."
And remember (Hud) the brother of 'Ad, when he warned his people in Al-Ahqaf (the curved sand-hills in the southern part of Arabian Peninsula). And surely, there have passed away warners before him and after him (saying): "Worship none but Allah; truly, I fear for you the torment of a mighty Day."
Say (O Muhammad SAW to the polytheists, etc.): "Do you order me to worship other than Allah O you fools?"
When the Messengers came to them, from before them and behind them (saying): "Worship none but Allah" They said: "If our Lord had so willed, He would surely have sent down the angels. So indeed! We disbelieve in that with which you have been sent."
We should not worship what our ancestors or fathers worshipped, recurring verses:
70. When he said to his father and his people: "What do you worship?"
71. They said: "We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted."
72. He said: "Do they hear you, when you call (on them)?
73. "Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?"
74. They said: "Nay, but we found our fathers doing so."
75. He said: "Do you observe that which you have been worshipping,
76. "you and your ancient fathers?
77. Indeed, they are enemies to me, except the Lord of the worlds,
They said: "You have come to us that we should worship Allah Alone and forsake that which our fathers used to worship. So bring us that wherewith you have threatened us if you are of the truthful."
They said: "O Salih! You have been among us as a figure of good hope until this! Do you (now) forbid us the worship of what our fathers have worshipped But we are really in grave doubt as to that to which you invite us."
They said: "O Shu`ayb! Does your Salah command you that we give up what our fathers used to worship, or that we give up doing what we like with our property Verily, you are the forbearer, right-minded!"
109. Do not have any doubt about what they worship; they worship nothing but what their forefathers worshipped before them. And We will surely give them their due in full.
Their messengers said, "Can there be doubt about Allah, Creator of the heavens and earth? He invites you that He may forgive you of your sins, and He delays your death for a specified term." They said, "You are not but men like us who wish to avert us from what our fathers were worshipping. So bring us a clear authority."
And when our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, they say, "This is not but a man who wishes to avert you from that which your fathers were worshipping." And they say, "This is not except a lie invented." And those who disbelieve say of the truth when it has come to them, "This is not but obvious magic."
They said, "We found our fathers worshippers of them."
It is also reminded that worshipping the sun and the moon should be avoided.
And of His signs are the night and day and the sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostate to Allah, who created them, if it should be Him that you worship.
It is necessary not to worship Taghut (those who transgress, exceed the limits):
Those who avoid At-Taghut by not worshipping them and turn to Allah, for them are glad tidings; so announce the good news to My servants.
And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], "Worship Allah and avoid Taghut." And among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed. So proceed through the earth and observe how was the end of the deniers.
Say, "Shall I inform you of [what is] worse than that as penalty from Allah? [It is that of] those whom Allah has cursed and with whom He became angry and made of them apes and pigs and slaves of Taghut. Those are worse in position and further astray from the sound way."
Verses that express the prohibition of worshipping idols in the form of statues:
95. He said: "Worship you that which you (yourselves) carve?
96. "While Allah has created you and what you make!"
And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said: "O my Lord! Make this city (Makkah) one of peace and security, and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols.
And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said to his father and his people: "Verily, I am innocent of what you worship,
[Mention] when he said to his father, "O my father, why do you worship that which does not hear and does not see and will not benefit you at all?
Assuming that Allah has a Part/Partners verses that state why we should not worship them:
Yet they turn one of His servants into a part of Him. Man is clearly ungrateful.
Say, "If the Most Merciful had a son, then I would be the first of [his] worshippers."
28. On the day when We gather them all together, We shall say to those who ascribe partners [to Allah], ‘Stay where you are—you and your partners!’ Then We shall set them apart from one another, and their partners will say, ‘It was not us that you worshipped.
29. Allah suffices as a witness between you and us. We were indeed unaware of your worship.’
62. And the Day He will call them and say, "Where are My 'partners' which you used to claim?"
63. Those about whom the Word will have come true (to be punished) will say: "Our Lord! These are they whom we led astray. We led them astray, as we were astray ourselves. We declare our innocence (from them) before You. It was not us they worshipped."
Say: "I am only a man like you. It has been inspired to me that your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God i.e. Allah). So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord."
An-Nisa, verse 36
Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allah does not like such as are proud and boastful;.
Verses related to worshipping/serving Allah:
Surely, they have disbelieved who say: "Allah is the Messiah ['Iesa (Jesus)], son of Maryam (Mary)." But the Messiah ['Iesa (Jesus)] said: "O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) there are no helpers.
"Never did I say to them aught except what You (Allah) did command me to say: 'Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.' And I was a witness over them while I dwelt amongst them, but when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a Witness to all things. (This is a great admonition and warning to the Christians of the whole world).
Such is Allah, your Lord! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Creator of all things. So worship Him (Alone), and He is the Wakil (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian, etc.) over all things.
Indeed, We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people and he said: "O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. (La ilaha ill-Allah: none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). Certainly, I fear for you the torment of a Great Day!"
And to Allah belong the unseen of the heavens and the earth and to Him will be returned the matter, all of it, so worship Him and rely upon Him. And your Lord is not unaware of that which you do.
"And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned.
Or were you witnesses when death approached Ya'qub (Jacob)? When he said unto his sons, "What will you worship after me?" They said, "We shall worship your Ilah (God - Allah), the Ilah (God) of your fathers, Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma'il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), One Ilah (God), and to Him we submit (in Islam)."
1. Say, "O disbelievers,(who deny the Truth)
2. "I worship not that which you worship,
3. "Nor will you worship that which I worship.
4. "And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping.
5. "Nor will you worship that which I worship.
6. For you is your religion, and for me is my religion."
Other verses related to worshipping/serving Allah are as follows:
(7:65), (7:73), (7:85), (10:3), (11:50), (11:61), (11:84), (13:36), (15:99), (17:23), (20:14), (21:25), (21:92), (22:77), (23:23), (27:45), (27:91), (29:36), (29:56), (36:22), (36:61), (43:64), (53:62), (71:3), (106:3), (3:51), (2:138).