Fear of Shirk (Polytheism)
Allah the Almighty said:
“Verily, Allah forgives not those partners should be set up with Him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases.” (4:48, 116)
Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) said:
“And keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols.” (14:35)
It is narrated in the Hadith that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said:
“What I fear most for you is a form of Shirk.” When asked about it, he said, “Ar-Riya (showing off).’
Ibn Mas‘ud (R.A.) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“Whoever dies while ascribing partners to Allah, enters the Hell-fire (Al-Bukhari)
Muslim reports from Jabir (R.A.) that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said:
“Whoever meets Allah (on the day of Judgement) not having associated anyone with Him (in worship), shall enter Paradise; and whoever meets Him having committed Shirk in anyway will enter the Hell-fire.”
Important issues of the Chapter
1) Fear of Shirk (polytheism)
2) Showing off (Riya) is a type of Shirk.
3) Showing off is a lesser type of Shirk.
4) Falling into minor Shirk (Riya) is more fearful to the righteous and pious people than other matters (because of the ease, one can fall into it due to its being so subtle).
5) Nearness of Paradise and Hell.
6) Combination of the nearness of Paradise and Hell has been stated in the same Hadith.
7) Whoever meets Allah (on the Day of the Judgement) having associated nothing with Him, shall enter Paradise; and whoever dies while committing Shirk with Allah in any way shall enter Hell, even though he might have been a great worshipper.
8) The important issue of the invocation of Ibrahim (A.S.), for himself and his progeny, being the protection from worship of idols.
9) The acknowledgement of Ibrahim (A.S.) of the condition of most people that “O my Lord, they have indeed led astray many among mankind.”
10) An explanation of the meaning of (the Kalimah) “There is nothing deserving of worship in truth besides Allah” as reported by Al-Bukhari.
11) The superiority of one who is free from Shirk.