So they mocked the Messenger when he forbade them from polytheism. Idolaters have always reviled the prophets, labeling them foolish, astray, or mad whenever the prophets summoned them to pure monotheism—because deep inside they revere polytheism. In just the same way, anyone who resembles them today will deride a caller to monotheism, driven by the polytheism he carries within. Allah, exalted is He, says: “Among people are those who set up equals to Allah, loving them as they should love Allah.” ⦗Qur’an 2:165⦘

Whoever loves a created being as he ought to love Allah is a polytheist. One must therefore distinguish between loving for the sake of Allah and loving alongside Allah. Those who have turned graves into idols scoff at all that pertains to Allah’s oneness and worship, yet venerate the intercessors they have adopted beside Him. One of them will brazenly swear a perjurious oath by Allah but would never dare to swear falsely by his shaykh. Indeed, in many circles you will find people convinced that appealing for help from the shaykh—whether at his grave or elsewhere—is more beneficial than beseeching Allah in the mosque during the last portion of the night.