Question :
I am the mother of a second-grade student. While teaching my son, I noticed in the lesson about Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) a statement that says: 'Idols are creatures that neither harm nor benefit.' Is it correct to describe idols as creatures? Aren't they just stones, and isn't the stone itself the creation? Aren't they made by humans? How can we call something made by humans a creature? Can we call a computer, a refrigerator, and house creatures?
The Answer :
All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad.
Everything except Allah, the Exalted, is created, whether it remains in its original state of creation as Allah created it, or whether humans or other creatures have worked on it, transforming it from its original state into another form. The meaning of the word "created" is not limited to the initial state of things in this universe, nor is it limited to living creatures. Rather, everything that came into existence - after not existing - is created, whether made by humans or something else, and whether it is living or inanimate.
Rational and textual (Quran & Sunnah) evidence indicates this principle: every created thing must have a creator. This is affirmed in the Quran: "And Allah created you and what you do" [As-Saffat, 95-96]. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said, "Indeed, Allah created every craftsman and his craft." Therefore, there is no objection to describing idols as creations, because they indeed are. Everything other than Allah The Almighty is created. And Allah The Almighty knows best.
