Shirk

Shirk is a type of disbelief (kufr) that refers to associating partners with Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala. It is the act of attributing partners to Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala in His essence, attributes, or worship.

Shirk in Zaat

Shirk in essence means associating someone with Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala in His essence and divinity. For example, believing in three gods like the Christians, worshipping fire as two gods, or believing in multiple gods as practiced by Hindus and idol worshippers. All of these are forms of shirk in essence.

Shirk in Attributes

Shirk in attributes means associating someone other than Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala with His divine attributes. While certain attributes of Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala are exclusive to Him and can only be attributed to Him, there are individuals who associate others with those attributes. Some major forms of shirk in attributes are described here;

Shirk in worship (Shirk in ‘Ibadah)

This refers to actions prescribed by Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala for His worship and glorification. Examples include prostrating to someone other than Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala, bowing or standing in prayer for someone’s sake as one does in prayer for Allah, circumambulating a grave or house as if it were the Kaaba, fasting in the name of someone other than Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala, or seeking help from someone other than Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala. All of these are forms of shirk in worship.

Shirk in ruling (Shirk in Hakimiyyah)

This refers to the ruling authority that belongs to Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala alone. It involves declaring something lawful or unlawful without the authority of Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala. If someone associates someone else in making things lawful or unlawful, considering their command equal to that of Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala, it is considered shirk in ruling.

Shirk in knowledge (Shirk in ‘Ilm)

Knowledge of the unseen is a special attribute of Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala. It refers to knowledge that encompasses everything and is not limited or bestowed. If someone believes that a prophet or a saint possesses the knowledge of the unseen, knows every detail of our lives, or has knowledge of all things distant and near, it is considered shirk in knowledge.

Shirk in power (Shirk in Qudrah)

The attribute of power (qudrah) belongs exclusively to Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala. Nothing is beyond His power, and He has power over everything. If someone believes that a pir or saint can grant children, cause rain, fulfill desires, grant sustenance, or control life and death, it is considered shirk in power.

Shirk in hearing and seeing (Shirk in Sam’ wa Basar)

Hearing and seeing are attributes of Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala that are exclusive to Him. Hearing and seeing in the sense that Allah Subhanahoo Wata’ala possesses are not found in any of His creation. If someone believes that a prophet or a saint can hear all our words, knows everything about us, or can see everything from near or far, it is considered shirk in hearing and seeing.

Shirk is a grave sin and the worst form of disbelief. Those who commit shirk and disbelief will never be forgiven or pardoned, and they will remain in Hellfire forever. In this world, the supplications of a disbeliever or one who commits shirk may be accepted, but in the Hereafter, their supplications will never be accepted.

شرک