Misconception:
Muslims Worship the Kaaba or Muhammad
The Truth
Muslims worship Allah alone. The Kaaba is a unifying direction for prayer, not an object of worship, and Muhammad ﷺ is respected as Allah’s final prophet, not a deity.
Explanation:
Muslims direct their prayers toward the Kaaba in Makkah as a means of unity and obedience to Allah’s command, not as idol worship. The Quran makes it clear that Allah alone is worthy of worship:
- “To Allah belongs the east and the west. Wherever you turn, there is the face of Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:115)
The Kaaba was built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael) as a sacred house for the worship of Allah (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:127). Muhammad ﷺ repeatedly emphasized the importance of monotheism:
- “Say: I am only a man like you, to whom it has been revealed that your god is one God.” (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:110)
He discouraged excessive praise, ensuring no one misunderstood his role as a servant of Allah: - “Do not exaggerate in praising me... I am only a servant of Allah and His Messenger.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3445)
Explanation:
- In Christianity, many venerate saints and Mary, which some Protestants view as approaching worship, although Catholics clarify these acts are intercessory and not directed at God.
- In Judaism, the Ark of the Covenant and the Temple in Jerusalem were focal points for worship, though the ultimate devotion remained solely to God.
