What Is Shirk — And Why Is It the Greatest Sin?

Shirk isn’t just a sin.

It is the greatest sin in Islam — the one sin Allah will never forgive if a person dies upon it.

“Indeed, Allah does not forgive that partners be associated with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.”

[Surah An-Nisā’, 4:48]

But do you know how many types of shirk there are?

1. Shirk in Ruboobiyyah (Lordship):

To believe that others besides Allah have a share in creating, controlling, or sustaining the universe.

Believing in fate-controlling saints or gods of rain and war? That’s shirk.

2. Shirk in Asmā’ wa Ṣifāt (Names & Attributes):

To attribute to Allah what doesn’t befit Him — or give His unique attributes to others.

Saying “God is like a man” or believing anyone knows the unseen? That’s shirk.

3. Shirk in Ulūhiyyah (Worship):

To direct any act of worship — du‘ā’, fear, sacrifice, hope — to someone other than Allah.

Calling upon the dead, bowing to idols, or praying to saints? That’s shirk.

Shirk isn't just idolatry with statues. It's in beliefs, words, and actions. And today, it comes in deceptively “spiritual” forms.

Know Tawḥīd. Reject Shirk.

Only with pure Tawḥīd can we enter Paradise.

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