Its Impact on Christianity and Islam

Excessive glorification (Ghuluw) of a person has historically been a primary means of inflicting profound insult upon them. This exaggeration may stem from excessive love coupled with ignorance, or it may be a calculated conspiracy by enemies and hypocrites. In both cases, the result is the same.

Regarding the conspiracy of enemies, rather than launching a direct attack filled with insults and accusations, there is no better strategy for an adversary than to elevate a person to an exaggerated, divine-like status. They then leave it to others—both the wise who love him and those who hate him—to inevitably pull him down from that pedestal.

The Case of Christianity

In Christianity, following the crucifixion, Paul emerged claiming the divinity of Christ and his status as the “Son of God.” Remarkably, Paul branded him with the very charge that Jesus spent his life defending himself against before the Jews. The Gospels are replete with instances where Jesus denied divinity; he consistently referred to himself as the “Son of Man” and never accepted the title “Son of God” in a literal, divine sense. While he described God as the Father of all, he said: “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17).

However, Paul named him contrary to his own teachings. Consequently, Jesus became known to Christians primarily as the “Son of God.” Paul then attached a curse to him, stating that Christ “became a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). This inadvertently aided his Jewish detractors in justifying their execration of him, making his own followers agree with this supposed curse—God forbid—which cannot be justified or transformed into a “blessing.”

Thus, to this day, some still revile him as a heretic who claimed divinity. It became necessary for every believer in Monotheism (Tawhid) to restore him from the status of divinity to the status of humanity. Islam was compelled to do this while maintaining his high rank and honor. Explicit words were necessary to alert people to this deviation, such as the Verse:

“They have certainly disbelieved who say, ‘Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary.’ Say, ‘Then who could prevent Allah at all if He had intended to destroy the Messiah, the son of Mary, or his mother or everyone on the earth combined?'” (Al-Ma’idah: 17).

As for the Christians who believed in his divinity, this did not lead to true honoring of his status. Despite claiming divinity, they also believed in his weakness, his subjection to harm, beating, humiliation, and the crucifixion that brought the “curse.” They viewed him merely as a “scapegoat” for humanity, failing to see the attributes of divine majesty befitting a God. This is clearly reflected in Western traditions today; there is a lack of protective jealousy for the status of Christ. He has often become a subject of mockery and satire, with little protest against disrespectful drawings or performances.

This explains why many in the West fail to understand the Muslims’ protective jealousy for the status of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Although he holds a rank higher than any human in their faith, he remains “the Servant of Allah and His Messenger.” Because he is held in this noble station—free from divine exaggeration—the more his lovers delve into his attributes and greatness, the more he is honored in their hearts.

The Fitna of Exaggeration in Islamic History

This same tactic was employed by hypocrites who hated Islam and Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) to split the Muslim ranks. Their resentment toward Ali was particularly strong because he was the hope of Islam during the Fitna of the Kharijites—rebels who sought power and did not recognize the high standing of the Prophet’s Companions.

These same elements who dared to kill Uthman (RA) and the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), also exaggerated the status of Ali and the Ahl al-Bayt, treating them almost as partners in the Message. This forced Muslims—keen on preserving Monotheism and the status of the Prophet—to refute these claims and bring them down from the level of “Ghuluw.” This, in turn, opened the door for the “Nawasib” (haters of the Ahl al-Bayt) to insult Ali under the pretext of defending the religion. Thus, hypocrites and sincere Muslims were inadvertently unified in the effort to lower them from that hypothetical divine status, leading to the emergence of fools who continue to attack them today. Conversely, in response to these fools, some extremists among the Shias emerged to attack the Companions and the Mothers of the Believers.

Conclusion

Whether the motive is hatred or ignorant, excessive love, the harm of “Ghuluw” must be recognized; it never serves the interest of the one being glorified. Politicians and leaders should also realize that their true enemy is the one who exaggerates their praise. Such praise doesn’t just incite opponents to insult them; it diminishes their standing in the hearts of those who love them by inviting scrutiny of their every mistake. The true lover is the one who is moderate.

Islam warned against this and the Quran forbade it:

“So do not claim purity for yourselves (la tuzakku anfusakum); He is most knowing of who fears Him.” (Al-Najm: 32).

In fact, the Arabic word “Tuzakku” in the text signifies more than just a claim of purity; it refers to the claim of greatness or high stature. This is because Tazkiyah fundamentally means both purity and growth—implying elevation in this context. Therefore, the verse serves as a warning against inflating ranks and statuses beyond their true measure.

Furthermore, the Prophet (PBUH), our master and the leader of the two worlds, drew attention to this point on many occasions. For instance:

“A man praised another man in the presence of the Prophet (PBUH), who then said: ‘Woe to you! You have cut your companion’s neck! You have cut your companion’s neck!'” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).