There are an estimated 4,200 religions in the
world today! This
is astounding when you consider there is only one God, who alone, created the Universe
and
everything in it.
How can there be over 4,000 religions for one Creator?
The notion that everyone can worship God according to their
desires, and thus
there can be countless religions, is inconceivable. Likewise, the thought that we can
ignore
God, and live our
lives without accountability is unimaginable.
God did not create us in vain or leave us without guidance. Due
to His mercy, He
outlined for us a complete way of life, for our prosperity in this life and the
Hereafter.
With so many religions in the world, how do we know which one to
follow? You may
be surprised to learn that out of all the world religions, there is only one religion
that
directs all aspects
of worship to the Creator alone, without associating any partners with Him or deeming
Him to
be similar to His
creation.
There are religions that believe the Universe contains many gods,
like Greek
mythology. Some religions believe idols are a physical representation of God, so they
direct
their worship
toward carvings or statues. Others teach a doctrine of intercessory prayer to so-called
saints. Some practice
a form of ancestral worship, believing the dead can influence the fortune of the living;
while many believe
God begot a son who is also worshipped and serves as an intermediary between man and
God.
All of the mentioned examples have different rituals, carrying
distinctive names,
while sharing a common practice. They all direct aspects of worship toward the creation;
either something that
was created or someone that was born.
The correct religion, the natural way of life, is to worship your
Creator, alone,
not the creation. Prophet Muhammad simplified this when asked, “What is the greatest of
all
sins?” He said,
“That you set up rivals with Allah in worship, while He, alone, created you.”
This is Islam. This is the religion of Abraham.
“Say, ‘Indeed, my Lord has guided me to a straight path—a correct religion—the way of
Abraham, inclining
toward truth. And he was not among those who associated partners with Allah.’”
(Quran, Chapter 6,
Verse 161)