Understanding ‘Ibadah’

In these verses, a scene of the Day of Judgment is presented, when three groups will be gathered together: 1. الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا al-ladhina zalamu This describes leaders or prominent figures of that era who themselves went astray and caused others to go off course. 2. أَزْوَاج azwaj This refers to the followers of the mentioned false leaders and their associates. (The original meaning of “zawj” is a counterpart, such as an associate or partner.) 3. ِمَا كَانُوا يـَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِ هللا ma kanu ya ‘buduna min duni Allah This refers to those who were worshipped besides Allah, specifically the idols. In these verses, a scene of the Day of Judgment is depicted, where all three groups will be gathered together. At that time, a debate will take place between the first and second groups. The second group will say, “Through your influence, you led us to worship false deities.” The first group will respond, “No, rather