Q: I teach Arabic in the public high school of Kerala and I try, with the Help of Allah, to be a faithful servant of the true Din (religion) of Islam. It is with great sadness and hope that I am informing Your Eminence that there is a dispute among our scholars regarding the meaning of these Words of Allah (Exalted be He): And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). One group says that Allah created the Jinn (creatures created from fire) and humans to worship Him Alone and not to worship other than Him. Accordingly, if someone worships other than Allah, they will be ruined and deserve His Punishment eternally. The other group says that it means that Allah created the Jinn and humans to worship Him Alone. Accordingly, if someone does anything other than worshipping Allah, they will be ruined and deserve His Punishment eternally. Bearing in mind that both of these views have lengthy explanations behind them, please explain to us which view is true and most correct.

A: Allah created all creatures to worship Him Alone, associating nothing in worship with Him. It is therefore only impermissible to worship other than Him or associate others in worship with Him. However, being occupied with other matters that do not conflict with worshipping Allah Alone or associating no partners in worship with Him, such as being occupied with trade, industrial or agricultural activities, this is not objectionable. Therefore, the first view is correct and the second view is a false one that has not been adopted by any of the scholars. We advise you to refer to the Tafsir (exegesis of the meanings) of Allah's Words: And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). (Part No. 1; Page No. 759) You could refer to the Tafsirs of Ibn Jarir Al-Tabary, Ibn Kathir, and other Mufassirs (exegetes of the Qur'an) known for their adherence to the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.