Dr. Muhammad Abu Laylah, professor of the Islamic Studies & Comparative Religions atAl-Azhar Univ. states: First of all, you, as a Muslim, know that worship is only devoted to Allah and nothing of this creation deserves worship. He is to be worshipped because He is our creator, Sustainer, and He is in control of our life and the hereafter. Almighty Allah says, “I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me. I seek no livelihood from them, nor do I ask that they should feed Me. Lo! Allah! He it is that giveth livelihood, the Lord of unbreakable might” (Az-Zariyat: 56-58)
No Muslim could think for a while that Muhammad is to be worshipped. Our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) himself stressed his human nature and in many occasions he made it absolutely clear that he is only distinct from humankind by prophethood, messengership and infallibility.
Prayer in Islam came to us directly from Allah though divine revelation. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said, “Pray as you see me praying.” When we send prayer (du`aa’) to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in Adhan or in Tashahhud, we do not to worship him but we are worshipping Allah alone and we are taught to recite our prayers as such.