Polytheism and its various manifestations (2)

2) Ash-Shirk al-Asghar Ar-Riya’ (the minor Shirk, i.e. acts formed to show off). Any act of worship or any religious deed done in order to gain praise, fame or for wordly benefit, falls under this category.

Almighty Allah says:

“Say (O muhammad): ‘I am only a man like you, it has been revealed to me that your Ilah (God) is one Ilah (God–i.e. Allah). So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.’ ” (V. 18:110)

3) Ash-Shirk al Khafi (The inconspicuous Shirk). This type implies being inwardly dissatisfied with the inevitable condition that has been ordained for one by Allah; conscientiously lamenting that had you done or not done such and such or had you approached such and such you would have had a better status, etc.

The Noble Prophet Muhammad Peace and blessings be upon him said:

“Ash-Shirk al-khafi in the muslim nation is more inconspicuous than the creeping of a black ant on a black rock in the pitch-darkness of the night.” And this inconspicuous Shirk is expiated by saying thrice the following sentences every day: “O Allah! I take Your refuge from thay I should ascribe anything as partner in Your worship, being conscious of that, and I beg Your pardon for that sin which I am not aware of.”

Polytheism and its various manifestations

Definition;
Shirk basically is polytheism, i.e., the worhip of others along with Allah. It also implies attributing divine attributes to any other besides Allah. It particularly implies associating partners in worship with Allah or believing that the source of power, harm or blessings is from others besides Allah.

Types;
1) Ash-Shirk al-Akbar, i.e. major shirk
2) Ash-Shirk al-Asgar, i.e. minor shirk
3) Ash-Shirk al-Khafii, i.e. inconspicuous shirk.

Manifesations; 1) Ash-Shirk al-Akbar (the major shirk): the major and serious polytheistic form, has four aspects:
a. Shirk ad-Du’a, i.e. invocation. This aspect implies invoking, supplicating or praying to other dieties besides Allah.
Almighty Allah says:
“And when they embark on ships they invoke Allah, making their faith pure for Him only, but when He brings them safely to land, behold, thy give a share of their worship to others.” (Q29:65)

b. Shirk an-Niyyah wal-Iradah wal-Qasd. This aspect implies intentions, purpose and determination in acts of worship or religious deeds, not for the sake of Allah but directed towards other deities.

Almighty Allah says:
“Whosoever desires the life of the world and its glitter, to them we shall pay in full (the wages of) their deeds therein, and they will have no dimunition therein. They are those for whom there is nothing in the hereafter but fire; and vain are the deeds they did therein. And of no effect is that which they used to do.” (Q11:15,16)

c. Shirk at-Ta’ah. This aspect implies rendering obedience to any authourity against the order of Allah.

Almighty Allah says:
“They(jews and christians) took their Rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allah), and (they also took as their Lord) Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), while they (jews and christians) were commanded[(in the torah and the gospel) to worship none but one illah (God i.e., Allah), la ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). Glorified is He (far above is He) from having the partners they associate (with him).” (Q9:31)

c. Shirk al-Muhabbah. This implies showing the love which is due to Allah alone to others than Him.

Almighty Allah says:
“and of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them as they should love Allah. But those who believe, love Allah more. If only thos who do wrong could see, when they will see the torment, that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is severe in punishment.” (Q2:165)

To be continued in another post in shaa Allah

DeensisterS