—and even acts of prostration, invoking them besides Allah Most High, and other practices already mentioned.

Even if we were to suppose that the earth had been cleansed of every taint of idolatry and paganism in all their forms, it would still not be permissible for us to allow the adoption of any means that might lead to shirk (polytheism), for we cannot be sure that such means will not push some Muslims into it. In fact, we are certain that shirk will occur in this Ummah at the end of time—if it has not already appeared!—so let me cite a few prophetic texts on the matter, that you may be fully informed:

1 – “The Hour will not be established until the buttocks of the women of Daws writhe in circumambulation around Dhu ’l-Khalasa” (1). Dhu ’l-Khalasa was an idol worshipped by the tribe of Daws during the Age of Ignorance at Tabala (2).