Module 1 – Circle 10 SHIRK

Module 1 – Circle 10 What is Shirk? Shirk is the most dangerous of all sins, the wickedest and the most severely punished because of the dishonour and belittling of Allah, the Most High. Allah says, " Verily, Allah forgives not that partners be set up with Him [in worship] but He forgives other than that to whom He pleases; and whoever sets up partners with Allah [in worship], he has indeed invented an enormous wrong" (Qur'an 4:48)

Module 1 – Circle 10 Can Muslims commit shirk without knowing it? Of course! The Prophets and Messengers all warned against Shirk. It is not just a matter of prostrating to an idol that would make somebody commit shirk. In fact, it is very easy to fall into shirk without even knowing it! People can worship things without knowing what they are worshipping besides Allah. Allah even mentions “The majority of those who believe in God do not do so without committing shirk.” (Qur’an 12:106)

How easy is it to fall into Shirk? Arabia was steeped in idol worship when the Prophet (SAW) was alive. Even the ka’aba was full of hundreds of idols. It is ironic that the House of Allah, built by the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) for the sole purpose of worshipping Allah alone could be used in such a horrendous way. But Ibrahim (AS) knew just how easy it would be for his offspring and followers to fall into Shirk. Module 1 – Circle 10 “And [remember] when Ibrahim said: "My Rabb! Make this city one of peace and security, and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols" (Qur'an 14:35)

Module 1 – Circle 10 What did the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) fear most for his Ummah? It is reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Of the things which I fear for my Ummah, the thing which I fear most is minor Shirk.” Then he was asked about minor Shirk, and he said: "It is ar-riyaa." (Narrated by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad)

Module 1 – Circle 10 What is Ar-Riyaa? Ar-riyaa is showing off. This, as stated in the previous Hadith is a minor Shirk, which the Prophet (SAW) feared most for us. The Prophet warned his companions and his Ummah against this form of Shirk, and feared it more for us than even the coming of the Dajjaal. Abu Sa’eed reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) came to us while we were discussing about Dajjaal and said, "Should I not inform you of that which I fear for you even more than the dangers of Dajjaal? It is the hidden Shirk; A person stands to pray, and he beautifies his prayer because he sees the people looking at him." (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Module 1 – Circle 10 Why is Shirk such a major Sin? Abu Hurayrah (RA) quoted Allah's Messenger (SAW) as saying: "Allah, Most Great and Glorious said: Pride is My cloak, and greatness is My robe, so whoever competes with Me, with respect to either of them, I shall cast him into Hell" (Sahih Muslim & Sunan Abu Dawud)

Module 1 – Circle 10 Can you name some of the 3 most destructive things? Abu Hurayrah quoted Allah's Messenger (SAW) warning about a person's adoration of himself. He said, "There are three destructive things: desires that are followed, greediness that is obeyed, and a person's self-admiration and pride; and this is the worst of the three." Self- Admiration and Arrogance is a form of Shirk and should be avoided at all costs. The praise of Allah can help to extinguish your own pride. This is why prostrating to Allah in sujood is such a beloved act to Allah. You are putting the most honourable and highest part of your body on the lowest point on the floor, whilst saying ‘Glory be to Allah the most High’.

Module 1 – Circle 10 In what ways can you avoid Shirk? 1] Increase your knowledge of Tawhid and Islam. 2] Make du’a to Allah to keep you on the straight path and away from Shirk. 3] Reflecting upon Heaven and Hell will give you hope to do good things solely for Allah and fear from doing bad things which displease Allah 4] Hiding one's good deeds. This is why giving charity in secret is such a beloved act in Islam, as your reward lies totally with Allah. 5] Reflection upon one's own shortcomings. Constructively criticise yourself as there is always room for improvement. We are not perfect so we shouldn’t pretend to be! 6] Accompanying good and pious people. This would help in many ways. Your friends can influence you in a major way. Keeping good company would encourage you to always do good.

Module 1 – Circle 10 Why shirk is so dangerous to humanity? A few companions saw Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) laughing and then crying; one after the other. They asked what had caused that to happen to him. He said. "I remember that in the days of Jahiliyyah (ignorance before Islam), I used to have this idol made of dates. One day, I became so hungry that I ate a piece of it. And then, I cried when I remembered digging a hole and burying my daughter. Whilst I was putting her in, she reached up and brushed dirt from my beard.”