Definition: "Shirk" basically is Polytheism, i.e., the worship of others along with Allah. It also implies attributing divine attributes to any other besides Allah. It particularly implies associating partners in worship with Allah or to set up rivals in worship with Allah or to believe that the source of power, harm or blessings is from others besides Allah.

Types. There are three types of "Shirk" namely.

1. "Ash-Shirk-al-Akbar", i.e. Major "Shirk"
2. "Ash-Shirk-al-Asghar", i.e., Minor "Shirk"
3. "Ash-Shirk-al- Khafy" i.e. Inconspicuous "Shirk".

(1) Manifestations. "Ash-Shirk-Al-Akbar" (the Major "Shirk"): The Major and serious polytheistic form has four aspects:

(a) "Ash-Shirk-ad-Dua'a", i.e. Invocation. This aspect implies to invoke, supplicate or pray to other deities besides Allah.

Almighty Allah says:

"And when they embark on the ships they invoke Allah, making their faith pure for Him only but when He brings them safely to land, behold, they give a share of their worship to others."

Holy Qur'an (29:65)

(b) "Ash-Shirk-al-Ni'ah wal-Iradah wal Oasd". This aspect implies intentions, purpose and determination in acts of worship or religious deeds not for the sake of Allah but directed towards other deities.

Almighty Allah says:

"Whoever desires the life of the world and its glitter, to them We shall pay in full (the wages of) their deeds therein and they will have no diminution therein. They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but Fire; vain are the deeds they did therein, and of no effect is that which they used to do."

Holy Our'an (11 :15-16).

(c) "Ash-Shirk-at-Ta'a." This aspect implies rendering obedience to any authority against the order of Allah.