(a)Define the term Shirk (b)Explain with three examples each, the two types of Shirk.

Answer Details

(a) Definition of Shirk

Shirk means associating partners with Allah, that is, ascribing to any created being the qualities, powers or rights of worship that belong to Allah alone. It is the opposite of Tawhid and is described in the Qur'an as the gravest and only unforgivable sin if a person dies upon it without repentance (Q.4:48; Q.31:13).

(b) The two types of Shirk with three examples each

1. Major Shirk (Shirk Akbar): This takes a person out of the fold of Islam and, if unrepented, condemns him to Hell forever. Examples:

1. Worshipping idols, statues or images beside Allah.
2. Supplicating, sacrificing or vowing to the dead, saints, spirits or jinn.
3. Believing that any being besides Allah creates, gives life and death, or independently controls the affairs of the universe.

2. Minor Shirk (Shirk Asghar): This does not expel a person from Islam but is a serious sin that diminishes the purity of one's faith and deeds. Examples:

1. Showing off (Riya'): performing acts of worship to be seen and praised by people rather than for Allah.
2. Swearing by other than Allah, such as swearing by one's father, the Prophet or the Ka'bah.
3. Saying "whatever Allah and you will," or wearing charms and amulets believing they in themselves bring benefit or ward off harm.

Both types must be avoided, but minor Shirk in particular is subtle and requires constant sincerity (ikhlas) to guard against.