What is Taghut?

A Taghut is anything or anyone that is worships besides Allah and is pleased with it. The word comes from Arabic, which translates into 'idol'. Anyone can be a Taghut, so it doesn't exclude just statues.

There are different objects, people or animals, that are worshiped. As a Muslim, it is important to reject this Tawaghit (plural of Taghut). The concept of rejecting idols in Islam is called 'Kufr bi Taghut'.

Every act of worship belongs to Allah alone. No one has the right to be worshiped except Him. That is the foundation of Islam that every Muslim should adhere to. It is also the first pillar of Faith: Belief in Allah.

Anyone who disbelieves in idols and believes in Allah has grasped a strong hold that will never break. And Allah is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
(2:256 Quran)

For example, if one gives away an Attribute of Allah to something or someone, he sees that as a god or partner next to Allah. And that is what Islam strongly prohibits, for that is the major form of Shirk.

And verily, We have sent to every nation a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah and reject the Taghut (idol).
(16:36 Quran)

Who are Taghut?

Everything and everyone that is worshiped and is satisfied with it is seen as Taghut. That can be a human, animal, object or spirit.

There are several Tawaghit (plural of Taghut) that differ in how they are worshiped. Worship happens in different ways. It can be a physical prostration, but also love equal to or higher than that before Allah.

Taghut criteria:
  • The person or spirit that is worshiped must be pleased with it
  • Receive love greater than or equal to Allah
  • Be obeyed above Allah
  • To be feared above Allah
  • Claims to possess qualities of a god
  • Takes some or all of the Attributes of Allah
  • Claims to be god
  • Wants to be worshiped and calls others to do so

List of Tawaghit:

There are several Tawaghit that we describe below. Of course, there are many others that fall under this. And that is what you can often come up with yourself from the criteria. We have put big names and groups in a clear list that fall under the criteria of a Taghut.

  1. Shaytan
  2. Those who make laws besides Allah
  3. Fortune Tellers
  4. Pharaoh
  5. Al-Lāt and al-'Uzza
  6. Nike
  7. The Cross of Christianity
  8. Versace
  9. Maserati
  10. ASUS
Abu Athari

Abu Athari writes about basic principles within Islam. He uses his critical and well-researched way to spread knowledge of the first three Muslim generations.

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