Islam Guidance

First Greater Sin: Shirk (Polytheism)

Chapter 3 

First Greater Sin: Shirk (Polytheism)

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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 Riďa (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-Nisā’ 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-Mā’ida 5:72)

 Also the Holy Qur’an states:

 “Do not associate aught with Allah; most surely polytheism is a grievous inequity.”

(Surah Luqmān 31:13).

 “And whoever associates anything with Allah, he devises indeed a great sin.”

(Surah an-Nisā’ 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’sÅ«mÄ«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-Nisā’ 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 TawfÄ«q to discuss these different aspects in detail.

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