THE SIN OF SHIRK AND WHY IT IS A MAJOR SIN IN ISLAM By Monira and Hafsa Unit 11 –section 1.2

WHAT IS SHIRK?  Shirk is the worst a Muslim can do and it is to put anything or anyone on the same level as Allah and it is to worship anyone or anything else but Allah, many Muslims believe that it is a sin that can never be forgiven.  Shirk means ‘association’ it is the idea of associating anyone or anything with Allah or thinking any creation can be equal with Allah.

WHY IS SHIRK SUCH A MAJOR SIN?  The sin of shirk is the only sin that will not be forgiven.  The Quran states ‘Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with him’  (surah 4:48)  The belief in tawhid which is the oneness of Allah is the most basic principle in Islam  Shirk breaks the commitment that Muslims make when they recite the shahadah, there is no God but Allah.  Worshiping Allah defines the way Muslims live on earth, every action whether small or large must glorify Allah this act is called Ibadah.

HOW DO MUSLIMS AVOID SHIRK?  Muslims avoid shirk by making sure that they concentrate only on Allah when they pray, it helps them to only think about Allah  Most Muslims find no difficulty in believing that there is no God but Allah, or in avoiding the worship of other gods or idols.  What they may find more difficult is making sure no body and nothing ever takes the central place of Allah in there lives.

THE END  Thank you for listening and hope you’ve learned more about shirk and avoid doing it !!!