A thing is distinguished by knowing its reality and being aware of it’s opposite. If one falls a victim to major and minor polytheism it opposes the foundations of Tawheed, and if it is Major shirk then it expels him from the fold of Islam. Allah, The Most High says, “And verily, if you ask them, who created the heavens and the earth?” Surely they will say,”Allah (has created them).” Say, “Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allah – if Allah intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm? Or if He (Allah) intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His Mercy?” Say, “Sufficient for me is Allah; in Him those who trust (i.e. believers) must put their trust.” (Qur’an, 39:38)
Allah, The Majestic clarifies that the powerless engraved and carved images, worshiped by polytheists cannot remove any harm which might befall a person by Allah’s Decree, nor prevent any sustenance or blessings which might come to a person from Him. Then how is that some of the Muslims rely on rings, strings, pearls, a piece of iron or anything similar that is worn thinking that it can bring benefit or prevent harm. Similarly, even objects which people hang in homes, offices, cars or on small children with a strong belief that it will remove affliction. This is a minor type of polytheism because the hearts become attached to these worthless items in a partial manner. If one thinks that these worthless item actually have powers then this is committing major polytheism with Allah, The Supreme One.
Allah, The All powerful negates that the helpless and powerless gods have any ability to harm or benefit. The verse implies that if the attachment to the greater deities is futile then attachment with the worthless items is completely futile. The Hadith below conveys the meaning of severe rejection of the worthless items. It is reported on the authority of Umran Ibn Husain (may Allah be pleased with him), that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) saw a man with a brass ring in his hand, and he asked him, “What is this?” He replied, “It is for protection from Al-Wahinah.” (Wahinah is a type of illness that weakens the body.) “The Prophet answered, “Remove it at once, for verily it will not increase you except in weakness, and were you to die whilst wearing it, you would never be successful.” (Ahmad)
