Sheikh Shrieked Shirk: A Timeless Reminder

Among the greatest responsibilities as Muslims is the recognition of Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah) and the avoidance of Shirk (associating partners with Him). It is a matter that defines salvation and destruction in the Hereafter. Allah reminds us through the words of the wise Luqman, when he advised his son with powerful and enduring words:

يَٰبُنَيَّ لَا تُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِۖ إِنَّ ٱلشِّرۡكَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِيمࣱ

“O my son, do not associate anything with Allah. Indeed, association [with Him] is great injustice.”

(Surah Luqman 31:13)

Shirk is the gravest injustice because it places created beings at the level of the Creator, and it undermines the very essence of Eemaan (belief). Allah says:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغۡفِرُ أَن يُشۡرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغۡفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُۚ وَمَن يُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱفۡتَرَىٰٓ إِثۡمًا عَظِيمًا

“Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin.”

(Surah An-Nisa’ 4:48)

In a world where many have become neglectful and fall into shirk in its various forms, this verse makes it clear: Shirk is an unforgivable sin if one dies upon it. Every other sin, no matter how severe, is left to Allah’s mercy, but shirk represents a betrayal of the most fundamental Islamic belief.

Shirk can be:

• Major 

Involving direct association of partners with Allah. It includes: praying to other deities or saints; believing that others share in Allah’s lordship, names, or attributes; and relying on spiritual beings (such as jinn or ancestors) for help in ways that only Allah should be relied upon. This kind of shirk removes one from the fold of Islam.

• Minor

It includes subtle forms of shirk, such as: Showing off in worship (riyaa’), swearing by other than Allah (e.g., “I swear on my mother’s life…”), seeking praise from people for acts of worship. Though this doesn’t expel a person from Islam, it corrupts sincerity and is a serious threat to the purity of worship.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “What I fear most for you is minor shirk.” They asked, “What is minor shirk, O Messenger of Allah?” He said:“ Showing off (riyaa’).” (Musnad Ahmad, Sahih)

Tawheed is the foundation of worship. True Tawheed means to single out Allah in:

Belief: No one deserves to be worshipped but Him.

Speech: Only Allah is praised with perfection; our oaths, supplications, and hopes should be directed to Him alone.

Actions: Every act of worship (prayer, fasting, charity, leadership, service) is done purely for His sake.

قُلۡ إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحۡيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَٰلَمِينَ

“Say: Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.”

(Surah Al-An’am 6:162)

Worship is a broad concept in Islam and is not limited to certain rites. It includes every action, whether inward or outward, that is pleasing to Allah—such as leading with justice, serving others, upholding trust in a role or office. If our work is driven by ikhlas (sincerity) — not to impress others or earn worldly praise — then even these duties become acts of worship.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Actions are only by intentions, and every person will have what they intended.”

(Bukhari & Muslim)

It is upon every Muslim to:

Learn the forms of shirk—both major and minor—and avoid them completely, whether in belief, speech, or practice. Renew our intentions frequently, especially in positions of leadership or responsibility. Purify our acts of worship from showing off or self-glorification. Shirk is the gravest of all sins and Tawheed is the light by which we live and are saved. May Allah protect us from all forms of shirk and grant us sincerity in every action.

“O Allah, make us among the sincere believers and save us from shirk and its people.”