Observation

This question demanded that the candidates mention the principles of Tawḥīd with a view to explain how Shirk negates those principles. Generally the candidates’ performance was very good. The expected points were as follows:

Shirk (polytheism) is associating partner (s) with Allah. (Introduction).

1. Getting involved in Shirk means working against the belief in the Oneness of Allah.
2. There are two types of Shirk - Major and Minor.
3. Involvement in major Shirk completely takes one out of the fold of Islam.
4. Examples of major Shirk include Idol- worship, Hero worship and Ancestral worship.k
5. A person involved in Shirk is known as a Mushrik i.e. a Polytheist.
6. A Mushrik neither prays nor encourages Ṣalāt observance.
7. He does not also believe in the institution of Zakāt.
8. The institutions of Hajj and Ṣawm will also mean nothing to a Mushrik.
9. Examples of minor Shirk include arrogance and showing off.
10. A minor Shirk may lead to major Shirk if not timely checked.
11. A Mushrik will end up in Hell fire if he/she dies as a polytheist.
12. This is because he pretends not to or does not believe in the existence of Allah.
13. The non pardonable sin before Allah is polytheism (Q.4: 48).
14. Shirk is a grievous sin in Islam.
15. Sūratul- Kāfirūn is decisive on idol-worship (Q.109).
16. Shirk is regarded as the highest form of hypocrisy in Islam (Q.31.13).
17. One should disobey his parents if they invite him to practice Shirk.
18. The opposite of Shirk is Tawḥīd (Monotheism).