(Note: the following is an edited version of our khutbah at Masjid Ibrahim, Las Vegas, Nevada. The opening words of praise for God have been omitted).
Lessons from Ilyaas
The Qur'an briefly tells us about a Prophet of God that is not often discussed, known as Ilyaas (Elijah), a messenger of God whose main audience was the Levantine region(ft.1). The Qur'an often presents prophets as conveying similar arguments, despite having variety in listeners. It tells us:
" When he (Ilyaas) said to his people ' will you not have taqwaa?
Do you call upon Ba'al and abandon the best of creators?
(namely) Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your past ancestors?" (Q 37:124-126)
اِذۡ قَالَ لِقَوۡمِہٖۤ اَلَا تَتَّقُوۡنَ
اَتَدۡعُوۡنَ بَعۡلًا وَّتَذَرُوۡنَ اَحۡسَنَ الۡخَالِقِیۡنَ
اللّٰہَ رَبَّکُمۡ وَرَبَّ اٰبَآئِکُمُ الۡاَوَّلِیۡنَ
The first statement in this summary is that of taqwaa. It carries here the meaning of consciousness, awareness. It is not simply a verbal assertion. Taqwaa here conveys awareness of not only God, but his power, cognizant of other human beings as well as of the realities of this world. Notice that all the Quranic verses the Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) would recite in the wedding ceremony all express this meaning (Q 4:1, 3:102, 33:70-71).
We can further understand or summarize the call to Taqwaa as expressed by Ilyaas (peace be upon him) (al-laaa Tattaqoon) as simply to be awake, to not fall asleep at the wheel, as there is much out there that makes us unfocused.
Why was Ba'al worshiped?
Ilyaas was sent to a region in which worship of idols was common, the chief one being a 'god' of fertility, Ba'al. Indeed, there is a Lebanese city is called Baalbek because it was the site of an important shrine dedicated to Ba'al.
"Calling upon Ba'al" (Tad'oona Ba'laan) is certainly a form of worship, and Ilyaas ('alayhis salaam) was addressing this. . Globally, all sorts of historical figures, as well as mythical personalities were worshipped, be it the pre-Islamic idols of the Arabs such as Al-laat, Al Manaat and Al 'Uzza, or even former U.S. President Donald Trump in recent times (ft.2).
These figures were "worshiped" because of some feeling of benefit, real or imagined, as well as a sense of cultural or loyalty to one's tradition. The Qur'an repeatedly speaks against conformity based upon such reasons. (ft.3). Moreover, the harm of idolatry, just as with many other items, outweighs any perceived benefits.
Allah: The only deserving of worship
Allah is the only one who is ever-living, omnipotent and omnipresent. Indeed, in one sentence recited in the sitting part of prayer, we say "I testify that none deserves worship except Allah, alone, without any partner" (Ash-hadoo an Laa elaaha ill Allah, wahdadu Laa Shareeka Lah.). If we accept these assertions as correct, there is no need then to worship any other than him.
Being awake
I am reminded of a famous speech given by Malcolm X (Al Hajj Malik El Shabazz) (ft.4) speaking in his context, states "... This is what they do! They send drugs in Harlem down here to pacify us. They send alcohol down here to pacify us! They send prostitution down here to pacify us."
His examples are relevant for our subject in that authentic taqwaa breeds awareness of not only the reality of God, but the realities around us, and presents a good foundation to understand how to interact with the realities around us.
Islam: a realistic faith
The Qur'an has highlighted items such as gambling and intoxicants as not only harmful, but as distractions. If we are able to avoid the distractions, we can see the realities very clearly, and act accordingly. This requires the discipline, balanced, intelligent life that Islam asks us to live, as well as care as to what we let into our homes, phones, television screens, bodies, minds and hearts.
Notice that Ilyaas refers to God as "The best of creators" (Ahsaan al Khaaliqeen). The Qur'an also refers to God as "The wisest of judges" (Ahkaam al Haakimeen). This tells us that there are others who create, and others who judge, be they among humans or other creatures. However, they cannot be equated to God. Allah is above and beyond them all, and is the only deserving of worship. The Qur'an rightly states that "Nothing is comparable to him"(Q 42:11).
Thus, it is necessary that we use Islam correctly, as the item which cleanses our hearts and minds, and rectifies our actions, provides protection from being manipulated.
Footnotes
(1) The Levant (shaam in arabic) refers to modern day Palestine, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon).
(2) An Indian national actually became famous for engaging in open Trump worship. See Here
(3) See Qur'an 2:170, 31:21, 5:104, 105 and many other verses.
(4) Malcolm X (1924-1965) was the product of an oppressive and racist white America, who came to embrace Islam. His biographical details are well known, it is sufficient to say that awareness and discipline went a long way in informing his worldview and subsequent impact on the human race. While there are many detailed books on his life and the evolution of his worldview, the best one we recommend is his own autobiography (The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley).
