Associationism is of several kinds:

1. Major associationism, which expels a person from Islam. This is what we have already described: directing any act of worship to someone other than Allah—such as slaughtering an animal for other than Allah, vowing for other than Allah, calling upon someone other than Allah, or seeking relief from someone other than Allah. This is major associationism; it removes a person from the religion, and whoever dies upon it without repenting will dwell forever in the Fire of Hell. Allah the Exalted says, “Indeed, whoever associates partners with Allah, Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge will be the Fire.” (al-Maʾidah 5:72).

Allah does not forgive this sin, for He says, “Indeed, Allah does not forgive that partners be associated with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.” (al-Nisāʾ 4:116).

2. Minor associationism, which does not expel a person from the faith, yet its danger is grave. It too is not forgiven except through repentance, as indicated by the same verse: “Indeed, Allah does not forgive that partners be associated with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.” (al-Nisāʾ 4:116). The wording of the verse includes both major and minor associationism.

Examples of minor associationism include: swearing by something other than Allah; saying, “Whatever Allah and you will,” thereby linking the will of a creature to the will of the Creator with the conjunction “and.” The correct form is, “Whatever Allah wills, then whatever you will.” Likewise, saying, “Were it not for Allah and you,” and similar phrases. These are instances of verbal associationism and are deemed minor.

Ostentation (riyāʾ) is also minor associationism. It is a hidden form, for it stems from the heart: it is neither spoken by the tongue nor displayed by the limbs. It is something concealed within the breasts, known only to Allah.

Thus, associationism falls into three categories: major associationism, minor associationism, and hidden associationism.