Shrik (Polytheism)

Shirk (Polytheism: To associate anyone or anything with Allah (S.w.T.))
The first of the Greater Sins is to associate anyone or anything with Allah (S.w.T.). That is to
attribute partners to Allah (S.w.T.). Regarding Shirk we have received clear traditions from the
Holy Prophet (S) as well as Hazrat Ali (a.s.), Imam Ja far as-Sadiq (a.s.), Imam al-Kadhim
(a.s.), Imam Ri a (a.s.) and Imam Jawad (a.s.).
Imam Ja far as-Sadiq (a.s.) says:
The greatest of the Greater Sins is to attribute partners to Allah.
(Wasa il ul-Shia)
The following verse of the Holy Qur an asserts:
Surely Allah does not forgive that anything should be associated with him, and forgives what is
besides that to whomsoever He pleases, and whoever associates anything with Allah, he devises
indeed a great sin.
(Surah an-Nis 4:48)
It means that whoever dies as a polytheist, there is no chance of his salvation. Although Allah
(S.w.T.) may forgive any of those who have committed any other sin. Allah (S.w.T.) says:
Surely whoever associates (others) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden to him the garden, and
his abode is the fire; and there shall be no helpers for the unjust.
(Surah al-M ida 5:72)
Also the Holy Qur an states:
Do not associate aught with Allah; most surely polytheism is a grievous inequity.
(Surah Luqm n 31:13).
And whoever associates anything with Allah, he devises indeed a great sin.
(Surah an-Nis 4:48)
Every Muslim knows fully well that Shirk is a Greater Sin. So it does not seem necessary to
quote the Qur anic ayats and the traditions of Ma skm+n (a.s.) in this regard. However, since it
is important to understand the true meaning of Shirk we shall quote the relevant statements in
order that people may keep aloof from this infamy. The Holy Qur an says,
And worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him.
(Surah an-Nis 4:36)

Mushrik (Polythiest) is the opposite of Muwahhid (Monotheist). Tawhid is the primary pillar of
faith. It has various aspects. In the same way Shirk also consists of different types:
1) Tawhid and Shirk with regard to the Essence of Allah (S.w.T.)
2) Tawhid and Shirk with regard to the Attributes of Allah (S.w.T.)
3) Tawhid and Shirk in actions
4) Tawhid and Shirk in Obedience
5) Tawhid and Shirk in worship
May Allah (S.w.T.) provide us the Tawf+q to discuss these different aspects in detail.

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