Shirk is the greatest sin in Islam. It means associating partners with Allah in any way. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.” (Qur’an 4:48)

Many people think shirk only means idol worship, but it can happen in small ways too—sometimes without realizing it. Even a minor form of shirk can be dangerous because it weakens our faith and connection with Allah. Let’s explore 10 common ways people commit shirk in daily life, so we can avoid them and protect our Tawheed (belief in Allah’s oneness).

 

Swearing by Someone Other Than Allah

Many people swear by their parents, children, or even their own lives. You might hear someone say:

• “I swear on my mother’s life!”
• “I swear by my father!”
• “I swear on my children!”

However, the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever swears by anything other than Allah has committed shirk.” (Abu Dawood)

Swearing should only be done by Allah because He is the ultimate witness to our words. If someone has a habit of swearing by people or things, they should stop and correct themselves by saying, “Wallahi” (By Allah) instead.

 

Believing in Superstitions

Superstitions are false beliefs that certain things bring good or bad luck. Some common examples include:

• A black cat crossing the road means bad luck.
• Breaking a mirror causes seven years of bad luck.
• Friday the 13th is an unlucky day.
• Hanging a horseshoe brings good luck.

These beliefs have no basis in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“There is no bad omen (in Islam).” (Bukhari)

Only Allah controls what happens to us—not objects, numbers, or superstitions. Instead of fearing bad luck, we should trust in Allah and seek His protection through duas and reliance (Tawakkul).

 

Wearing Amulets (Ta’weez) for Protection

Some people wear Ta’weez (charms) around their necks or wrists, thinking it will protect them from harm. Others tie black threads on their arms, wear rings, or place written papers under pillows. While some amulets may contain verses from the Qur’an, many include unknown symbols, names, or writings that have no connection to Islam.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever wears an amulet has committed shirk.” (Ahmad)

Real protection comes from praying to Allah, reciting Qur’an, and seeking His help. The best protection is reading Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas for safeguarding against harm.

 

Seeking Blessings from Graves or Objects

Some people visit graves of saints and:

• Touch the grave, hoping for blessings.
• Wipe their hands on the tomb.
• Tie threads to trees or gates.
• Kiss shrine walls or stones.

However, blessings only come from Allah. The Prophet ﷺ strictly forbade such actions. Visiting graves should be for praying for the deceased, not seeking their help or blessings.

Allah says:

“Do not call upon anyone besides Allah. Those who do so will be in loss.” (Qur’an 72:18)

 

Believing in Horoscopes and Astrology

Many people read horoscopes and zodiac signs, thinking their birth month decides their personality and future. Some say:

• “I am a Leo, so I am naturally brave.”
• “You’re a Pisces, so you are emotional.”
• “Capricorns are lucky this month.”

But the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever believes in a fortune teller has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad.” (Muslim)

Only Allah knows the unseen. Believing that stars or planets control our future is a form of shirk.

 

Showing Off in Worship (Riya)

Some people do acts of worship to impress others instead of pleasing Allah. Examples include:

• Praying extra-long when others are watching.
• Giving charity to gain praise.
• Reciting Qur’an loudly to show off.

The Prophet ﷺ warned:

“The thing I fear most for my Ummah is minor shirk.” (Ahmad)

Worship should be only for Allah, not for human praise.

 

Loving Someone More Than Allah

If someone’s love for a person, job, or material things is greater than their love for Allah, it can become shirk. Examples:

• Skipping Salah for work or entertainment.
• Fearing people’s opinions more than Allah’s commands.
• Loving wealth so much that it leads to dishonesty.

Allah says:

“Those who believe love Allah more than anything else.” (Qur’an 2:165)

Our love for Allah should be the greatest. Everything else should come after Him.

Thinking Someone Other Than Allah Controls Your Life

Some people believe:

• Their boss, teacher, or politician decides their future.
• A lucky charm brings them success.
• Someone else has the power to control their fate.

But only Allah controls life, death, and success. Trusting anyone else in that way is shirk. Allah says:

“No disaster strikes except by the permission of Allah.” (Qur’an 64:11)

Our trust should be in Allah alone.

 

Praising a Human Too Much

Some people praise religious leaders, scholars, or famous personalities in an extreme way, saying:

• “He is like a god!”
• “He knows everything!”
• “He can never be wrong!”

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians did with Jesus.” (Bukhari)

We should respect people but never give them god-like status.

Making Dua to Someone Other Than Allah

Some people say:

• “O Saint, please help me!”
• “O Prophet, grant me success!”

But the Prophet ﷺ taught us that dua should only be made to Allah. Even the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ cannot answer our prayers.

Allah says:

“And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’” (Qur’an 40:60)

Final Thoughts

Shirk is a serious sin. Even small acts of shirk can weaken our faith. We must always check our actions and beliefs to keep our Tawheed (faith in Allah’s oneness) pure.

How to Protect Ourselves from Shirk:

• Pray to Allah alone.
• Avoid superstitions and false beliefs.
• Seek knowledge about Tawheed.
• Make sincere dua for guidance.

May Allah protect us from all forms of shirk and keep our hearts pure. Ameen.