Shirk (Polytheism)
4:2:28 2024-08-12 170

Shirk is another serious disease of the soul, and is a branch of ignorance. It lies in believing that other forces besides Allah have a role in directing the affairs of the world. If one worships these forces, it is called shirk ibadi (polytheism in worship), and if he obeys them, it would be shirk itai (polytheism in obedience). The first kind is also named shirk jali (manifest polytheism), and the second is also called shirk khafi (hidden polytheism). Possibly the Quranic verse:

And most of them believe not in Allah except that they attribute partners unto Him. (12:106)

is a reference to the second kind of shirk.

The opposite of shirk is tawhid (monotheism), which means that there is no power in the universe except that of the Almighty Allah. Tawhid has stages; they are:

1. Verbal admission or acceptance of tawhid; that is uttering the (there is no Allah but Allah) without believing in it sentence with the heart.

2. Believing with the heart when the above statement of monotheism is made with the tongue.

3. Realization of the unity of Allah through epiphany and numinous experience. In other words, one discovers that the vast multiplicity of creatures derive their existence from the One Allah, and recognizes that no power other than Allah's operates in the universe.

4. One sees nothing in the world except the Divine Being and perceives all creatures as emanations and reflections of that Being.

These stages of belief in tawhid guide us to recognize the cause of the disease of shirk. The root cause of shirk is immersion in the material world and forgetfulness in regard to Allah. In order to cure it, one must meditate upon the creation of the heavens and the earth and myriads of Allah's creatures. That may awaken within one the appreciation of the glory of Allah. The deeper his meditation and contemplation on the beauty of the universe and the mystery of its creation, the greater his faith in the existence and unity of Allah shall become. The Quran says:

Such as remember Allah, standing, sitting, and reclining, and consider the creation of the heavens and the earth, (and say): Our Lord, Thou hast not created this in vain. Glory be to Thee! sane us from the chastisement of the Fire. (3:191)

Imam al-Rida (A) has been quoted as saying:

Worship does not lie in copious prayer and fasting, but in the amount of contemplation in the works of Allah.

Reality Of Islam

A Mathematical Approach to the Quran

10:52:33   2024-02-16  

mediation

2:36:46   2023-06-04  

what Allah hates the most

5:1:47   2023-06-01  

allahs fort

11:41:7   2023-05-30  

striving for success

2:35:47   2023-06-04  

Imam Ali Describes the Holy Quran

5:0:38   2023-06-01  

livelihood

11:40:13   2023-05-30  

silence about wisdom

3:36:19   2023-05-29  

MOST VIEWS

Importance of Media

9:3:43   2018-11-05

Illuminations

allah timing

6:14:3   2023-01-18

abbas-ibn-firnas

3:42:22   2021-12-24

al-hussain (peace be upon him)

10:18:1   2022-09-21

never answer to your lusts

7:0:55   2022-05-17

use you time well

4:26:43   2022-02-21

educators

9:50:37   2023-02-28



IMmORTAL Words
LATEST How do we pave our way to success? Seven Things That Support Positive Parenting Commentary of Surat al-Rahman on advent of Zaman - Verses 51-61 The Deception of Evolution theory Exercising Regularly Appears to Make Your Belly Fat Healthier A Perfect Storm of Solar Activity Is About to Unleash an Amazing Show Extreme Weather to Hit 70% of Humans in Next 20 Years, Study Warns How to Communicate Effectively in the Workplace Seven Tips for the New School Year How to build confidence in your children Commentary of Surat ul-Waqia on advent of Zaman - Versese 51-60 The First Insurmountable Step: The Origin of Life