Chapter: Fear of Shirk

Allah Most High says, “Indeed Allah does not forgive associating anything with Him, but He forgives whatever is less than that for whomever He wills” (Qur’an 4:48, 116).

And the Intimate Friend, Abraham—peace be upon him—said, “And keep me and my children away from worshipping idols” (Qur’an 14:35).

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Relevance of this chapter to the Book of Tawḥīd: After the author—may Allah have mercy on him—had spoken of tawḥīd, its merit, and how it is perfected, it was appropriate to mention fear of its opposite, shirk, so that the believer may beware of it and fear it for himself.

Fear is the expectation of something disliked; it is the opposite of security.

Shirk is directing any act of worship to other than Allah.

“Does not forgive associating anything with Him” means that He will not pardon a servant who meets Him while worshipping another beside Him.

“And He forgives whatever is less than that” means He forgives every sin short of shirk.

“For whomever He wills” means whomever He chooses to forgive among His servants, according to His bounty and wisdom.

Al-Khalīl is the one who has attained the highest degree of love; here it refers to Abraham—peace be upon him—whom Allah took as an intimate friend.

“Keep me and my children” means place me and them in a realm far removed from that (i.e., idol-worship).