SHIRK
Module 1 – Circle 10
What is Shirk?
Shirk is the most dangerous of all sins, the
wickedest and the most severely punished
because of the dishonour and belittling of Allah, the
Most High.
Allah says,
" Verily, Allah forgives not that partners be set up
with Him [in worship] but He forgives other than
that to whom He pleases; and whoever sets up
partners with Allah [in worship], he has indeed
invented an enormous wrong" (Qur'an 4:48)
Module 1 – Circle 10
Can Muslims commit shirk
without knowing it?
Of course! The Prophets and Messengers all warned
against Shirk. It is not just a matter of prostrating to an idol
that would make somebody commit shirk. In fact, it is very
easy to fall into shirk without even knowing it! People can
worship things without knowing what they are worshipping
besides Allah.
Allah even mentions
“The majority of those who believe in God do not do so
without committing shirk.” (Qur’an 12:106)
Module 1 – Circle 10
How easy is it to fall into Shirk?
Arabia was steeped in idol worship when the Prophet
(SAW) was alive. Even the ka’aba was full of hundreds of
idols. It is ironic that the House of Allah, built by the Prophet
Ibrahim (AS) for the sole purpose of worshipping Allah
alone could be used in such a horrendous way. But Ibrahim
(AS) knew just how easy it would be for his offspring and
followers to fall into Shirk.
“And [remember] when Ibrahim said: "My Rabb! Make this
city one of peace and security, and keep me and my sons
away from worshipping idols" (Qur'an 14:35)
Module 1 – Circle 10
What did the Prophet Muhammad
(SAW) fear most for his Ummah?
It is reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Of the
things which I fear for my Ummah, the thing which I
fear most is minor Shirk.” Then he was asked
about minor Shirk, and he said: "It is ar-riyaa."
(Narrated by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad)
Module 1 – Circle 10
What is Ar-Riyaa?
Ar-riyaa is showing off. This, as stated in the previous
Hadith is a minor Shirk, which the Prophet (SAW) feared
most for us. The Prophet warned his companions and his
Ummah against this form of Shirk, and feared it more for us
than even the coming of the Dajjaal.
Abu Sa’eed reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW)
came to us while we were discussing about Dajjaal and
said, "Should I not inform you of that which I fear for you
even more than the dangers of Dajjaal? It is the hidden
Shirk; A person stands to pray, and he beautifies his prayer
because he sees the people looking at him." (Sunan Ibn
Majah)
Module 1 – Circle 10
Why is Shirk such a major Sin?
Abu Hurayrah (RA) quoted Allah's Messenger (SAW) as
saying: "Allah, Most Great and Glorious said: Pride is My
cloak, and greatness is My robe, so whoever competes with
Me, with respect to either of them, I shall cast him into Hell"
(Sahih Muslim & Sunan Abu Dawud)
Module 1 – Circle 10
Can you name some of the 3 most
destructive things?
Abu Hurayrah quoted Allah's Messenger (SAW) warning
about a person's adoration of himself. He said, "There are
three destructive things: desires that are followed,
greediness that is obeyed, and a person's self-admiration
and pride; and this is the worst of the three."
Self- Admiration and Arrogance is a form of Shirk and
should be avoided at all costs. The praise of Allah can help
to extinguish your own pride. This is why prostrating to Allah
in sujood is such a beloved act to Allah. You are putting the
most honourable and highest part of your body on the
lowest point on the floor, whilst saying ‘Glory be to Allah the
most High’.
Module 1 – Circle 10
In what ways can you avoid Shirk?
1] Increase your knowledge of Tawhid and Islam.
2] Make du’a to Allah to keep you on the straight path and away from
Shirk.
3] Reflecting upon Heaven and Hell will give you hope to do good things
solely for Allah and fear from doing bad things which displease Allah
4] Hiding one's good deeds. This is why giving charity in secret is such
a beloved act in Islam, as your reward lies totally with Allah.
5] Reflection upon one's own shortcomings. Constructively criticise
yourself as there is always room for improvement. We are not perfect so
we shouldn’t pretend to be!
6] Accompanying good and pious people. This would help in many
ways. Your friends can influence you in a major way. Keeping good
company would encourage you to always do good.
Module 1 – Circle 10
Why shirk is so dangerous to
humanity?
A few companions saw Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) laughing
and then crying; one after the other. They asked what had
caused that to happen to him. He said. "I remember that in
the days of Jahiliyyah (ignorance before Islam), I used to
have this idol made of dates. One day, I became so hungry
that I ate a piece of it. And then, I cried when I remembered
digging a hole and burying my daughter. Whilst I was
putting her in, she reached up and brushed dirt from my
beard.”
Module 1 – Circle 10