Shirk (Polytheism)

In Islam, shirk refers to associating partners with Allah or equating Him with something else. Shirk is considered the greatest sin, deeply shaking a person’s faith and representing the gravest danger in Islam. In this article, we will explore the concept of shirk from an Islamic perspective and through the words of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). We will also touch upon one of the important dreams related to shirk, that of Muhammad Qasim ibn Abdul Karim.

What is Shirk?

The word “shirk” means “to associate” and refers to the act of associating partners with Allah or equating Him with something else. Shirk can appear in various forms:
        1.      Major Shirk (Shirk al-Akbar): This is the most serious form of shirk, where a person associates partners with Allah or regards Him as equal to another entity. The most well-known example of this is worshipping a god other than Allah or associating Him with others. Worshipping Allah’s messengers, sacred beings, or objects is also considered major shirk.
        2.      Minor Shirk (Shirk al-Asghar): This type of shirk is more subtle and hidden compared to major shirk. For example, performing good deeds not for the sake of Allah’s pleasure but to gain people’s approval can be considered minor shirk.
        3.      Hidden Shirk (Shirk al-Khafi): This occurs in a person’s heart, not outwardly noticeable. For example, excessive admiration for the power or success given by something other than Allah can be considered hidden shirk.

Types of Modern Shirk
        1.      Images and Statues
        •       Hanging unnecessary pictures, using them in social media profiles, or keeping them for other purposes can lead to shirk. Similarly, life-like statues, dolls, or decorations depicting faces can also pose a shirk risk if given excessive value.
        2.      Graves and Worship
        •       Decorating graves with pictures or statues, seeking help from the deceased by visiting their graves, or bowing or prostrating in front of graves is considered major shirk. These practices contradict the principle of worshipping only Allah.
        3.      Modern Idols
        •       Idolizing singers, actors, athletes, or other famous people and excessively praising them is a form of problematic worship. These individuals should not be regarded as spiritual or moral guides.
        4.      Imitating Foreign Cultures
        •       Imitating non-Muslim holidays or traditions can weaken one’s faith. Such actions divert attention from the purity of Islam and the exclusive worship of Allah.
        5.      Entertaining False Gods
        •       Watching movies, TV shows, or other content that glorifies false gods contradicts the Islamic belief in the oneness of Allah.
        6.      Self-Love and Vanity
        •       Excessive self-promotion on social media or becoming overly enamored with one’s physical appearance can lead to making one’s ego a form of idol, distracting one from worshipping Allah.

The Words of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on Shirk

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned most strongly against shirk, describing it as the greatest sin that shakes the foundation of Islamic belief. He emphasized that associating partners with Allah is a crime that undermines the core of Islam. In various hadiths, the Prophet (PBUH) explained the severity of shirk:

“Shirk is the greatest sin that Allah will not forgive. Whoever dies with this sin will not be forgiven by Allah.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith No: 31)

This statement highlights the enormity of shirk, showing that it is unparalleled by any other sin and can only be forgiven if the person truly repents and turns to Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) also emphasized that every Muslim must direct their faith solely to Allah.

“Whoever dies in shirk, Allah will never forgive him.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No: 1354)

These hadiths make it clear that shirk is the most grievous and unforgivable sin.

The Importance of Tawhid and Avoiding Shirk

Tawhid, the belief in the oneness of Allah, is the foundation of Islam. According to Islam, when a person abandons the belief in Tawhid, they fall into shirk. Denying the oneness of Allah or associating Him with others is a transgression that drives a person out of Islam.

The oneness of Allah is clearly expressed in the Qur’an:

“Allah, there is no deity but Him, the Eternal, the Absolute.”
(Qur’an, 112:1-2)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed his followers to safeguard Tawhid and avoid all forms of shirk. Shirk not only deviates from monotheism but also leads to the corruption of one’s heart and mind.

The Vision of Muhammad Qasim bin Abdul Karim

A striking example of the importance of avoiding shirk is the vision seen by Muhammad Qasim bin Abdul Karim. In this vision, Qasim discovered a photo of himself in his room. Though this photo did not hold conscious significance for him, it serves as a reminder from Allah (SWT) about the importance of preserving the purity of Tawhid.

The Importance of Avoiding Shirk

These examples clearly demonstrate that seemingly harmless actions can endanger our faith. Allah (SWT) has given us clear commands to direct our lives and hearts solely to Him. Avoiding even the smallest details of shirk is essential to preserving a pure faith.

Muhammad Qasim’s Dreams Regarding Shirk

Muhammad Qasim ibn Abdul Karim is a significant figure in modern Islamic eschatology, with his dreams carrying deep messages regarding future events and the end times. Specifically, Qasim’s dreams related to shirk emphasize the need to adhere to the core teachings of Islam and be protected from future dangers.

In several of Qasim’s dreams, he witnessed people committing shirk, particularly before major catastrophes and the arrival of the Dajjal. In one dream, he saw people associating partners with Allah and falling into numerous false belief systems. He recognized that during the time of the Dajjal, an environment would emerge where people would be invited to worship powers other than Allah.

In one of his dreams, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told him:

“Shirk is the greatest danger for my ummah. Beware of shirk and always stay on the right path.”

This dream serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of associating partners with Allah and the necessity of remaining devoted to His oneness in order to protect oneself from shirk.

Shirk and Ways to Protect Oneself in Today’s World

Today, shirk is not limited to idol worship or directly associating partners with Allah. It can also manifest as an excessive attachment to material values, wealth, and power, performing actions to gain people’s approval, or harboring hidden intentions in the heart. In modern society, people often fall into these misguided beliefs and values without realizing they are engaging in shirk.

One of the most important ways to avoid shirk is to maintain a balanced attachment to worldly desires and to constantly reaffirm loyalty to Allah alone.

Conclusion

Shirk is considered the greatest sin in Islam, and associating partners with Allah threatens not only one’s religious beliefs but also their spiritual existence. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spoke extensively about the dangers of shirk and urged his followers to stay away from all forms of it.

Muhammad Qasim’s dreams remind us that protecting ourselves from shirk is not just about external rituals but also about maintaining sincerity in our hearts and intentions. These dreams emphasize that people should direct their worship solely to Allah and avoid any form of shirk. In the modern world, individuals must worship only Allah and turn their hearts exclusively to Him.