CHAPTER No: 04 Untit798
CHAPTER No: 04
Fear of Shirk (Polytheism)

Allah the Almighty said:
"Verily, Allah forgives not that 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 (May Allah be pleased with him) said:
"And keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols." (14:35)
It is narrated in the Hadith that Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said:
"What I fear most for you is a form of Shirk." When asked about it, he said, "Ar-Riya (showing oft)."

Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said:
"Whoever dies while ascribing partners to Allah, enters the Hell-fire." (Al-Bukhari)

Muslim reports from Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) 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 any way will enter the Hell-fire."

Important issues of the Chapter
1) Fear of Shirk (polytheism)
2) Showing off (Riyaa) is a type of Shirk
3) Showing off is a lesser type of Shirk.
4) Falling into minor Shirk (Riyaa) 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.
The important issue of the invocation of Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) for himself and his progeny, being the protection from worship of idols.
9) The acknowledgement of Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) 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) (May Allah be pleased with him) "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.