Understanding ‘Ibadah’

One of the verses states: The true realities of the heavens and the earth are hidden from the servants. Only Allah has knowledge of them, and all matters are presented before Him. Therefore, worship Him alone and trust in Him. (Quran, 11:123) In this verse, the phrase “to Him all matters are returned” appears before the command to worship, and “rely upon Him” follows it. This indicates that the command to worship implies that the same Allah who is the caretaker of all creation is the One you should depend on and seek refuge in. “So worship Him and rely upon Him” means: make Him your refuge and place your trust in Him. (Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, Vol. 9, p. 117) One of the verses is: “You do not worship besides Him except [mere] names you have named, you and your forefathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. Sovereignty belongs only to Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him. That is the correct religion.” (Quran, 12:40) The phrase “names you have named” in this verse suggests that it cannot serve as the basis for any “comprehensive” interpretation as outlined in the book