The definition of Shirk
In this lesson, we continue our discussion about the forms of greater shirk.

Examples of Greater Shirk in Allah’s Right to Worship

(3) Shirk in obedience.
Allah is the only Ruler of the affairs of men. Allah is the supreme Lawgiver[2], the Absolute Judge, and the Legislator. He distinguishes right from wrong. Just like the physical world submits to its Lord, human beings must submit to the moral and religious teaching of their Lord, the Lord who sets apart right from wrong for them.

In other words, Allah alone has the authority to make laws, determine acts of worship, decide morals, and set standards of human interaction and behavior.

His is the command: “His is the Creation and Command.” (7:54)

“Legislation is not but for Allah. He has commanded that you worship not except Him. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.” (Quran 10:40)

Obeying religious leaders in matters of clear disobedience to Allah is a form of greater shirk as Allah says:
“They (referring to Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their Lords besides Allah.” (Quran 9:31)

They made partners unto Allah not by directly praying to them, but by willfully accepting their rabbis and clergy changing the lawful into prohibited and the forbidden into lawful in Allah’s religion. They gave their religious men the authority only Allah has – to set the divine law. For example, the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church has the authority to determine how God is to be worshipped. He has full authority to interpret, change, and cancel both his own laws and those established by earlier popes, so he determines liturgical service and fasting.

(4) Making a vow for other than Allah.

(5) Sacrificing an animal to venerate or please someone other than Allah, like a saint.

(6) Going around the graves of saints. Bowing or prostrating to people or graves.

(7) Fearing other beings as Allah should be feared in afflicting a person with punishment.

(8) Seeking super-natural help and aid from other than Allah of what they are not capable of providing like asking angels or saints for help.

(9) Making a ‘middle-man’ (intercessor) between one self and Allah, praying to the ‘middle-man’ and relying on him.

In the next post, we will have a small quiz to test our understanding
Till next time, I hope you are enjoying learning about Islam