In 2005 Wikipedia's first sentence called it “islamic concept of the sin of idolatry”. Today it says “sin often roughly translated as ' idolatry ' or ' polytheism '”.
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Machine-checked against the full current article on 2026-08-02. In 2005 Wikipedia's first sentence called it “islamic concept of the sin of idolatry”. Today it says “sin often roughly translated as ' idolatry ' or ' polytheism '”.
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The opening as it read in 2005
Shirk is the Islamic concept of the sin of idolatry . It is the vice opposed to the virtue of tawhid , the Islamic word for monotheism . The word shirk is one form of the Arabic root ShRK (شرك). This root has the general meaning of share (Nadwi - Vocabulary of the Holy Qur'an) . In the context of the Qur'an the particular sense of sharing as an equal partner is usually understood. In the Qur'an shirk and the related word mushrikuwn (مشركون) those who commite shirk) often clearly refers to the enemies of Islam (as in verse 9.5) but sometimes it also refers to erring muslims (verse 6.122). When the Qur'an describes shirk it frequently seems to be referring to and disparaging the Christian dogma of the divinity of Jesus. Islamic commentators on the Qur'an have emphasized that pre-Islamic Arabic idolatry made a number of godlings (most memorably the three goddesses Manat, Lat and Uzza) equal associates of Allah (as the Qur'an discusses in the 53rd surat ) and the word mushrikuwn is often translated into English as polytheist . In a theological context one commits shirk by associating some lesser being with Allah . This sin is committed if one imagines that there is some other spirit than Allah whom it is suitable to worship . Many Islamic theologians extend the sense of worship to include praying to some other being to intercede with Allah on one's behalf, rather than taking one's case to Allah Himself. The limits of the concept of worship are quite elastic and theologians often describe excessive veneration of some artifact here on earth as shirk. Atheism is sometimes described as shirk (in spite of its opposite meaning) because it denies the position of Allah as the unique creator and sustainer of the universe ( tawhid ar-rububiyya , the unity of creation). In the same way, the act of shirk is extended to include such things as the notion that Allah possesses humanlike anthropomorphic qualities as well as acts of worship or piety whose inward goal is pride, caprice, or a desire for public admiration.1
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The opening as it stood in 2010 14 passages from the previous snapshot no longer appear
monotheism Shirk ( ) or polytheism means to consider anyone god other than the true God, Allah .Shirk is also associating partners with him, giving his characteristics to others beside him, or not believing in his characteristics.As the Imam [`Ali ibn Abu Talib] says: 'Know that the slightest ostentatiousness ( riya` ) is polytheism.'" — Reza Shah-Kazemi Within Islam , shirk is the most heinous and unforgivable crime.Allah forgives any sin except for committing shirk .(source needed) It is the vice that is opposed to the virtue of tawhid , literally "declaring [that which is] one", often translated into the English term monotheism .The Sacred Foundations of Justice in Islam: The Teachings of 'Ali ibn Abi Talib", A Sacred Conception of Justice: Imam 'Ali's Letter to Malik al-Ashtar pages 75-76.
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The opening as it stood in 2015 5 passages from the previous snapshot no longer appear
In Islam , shirk ( širk ) is the sin of practicing idolatry or polytheism , i.e. the deification or worship of anyone or anything other than the singular God i.e.Literally, it means the establishment of "partners" placed beside God. It is the vice that is opposed to the virtue of Tawhid ( monotheism ). Within Islam, shirk is an unforgivable crime if it remains unpardoned before death: God may forgive any sin if one dies in that state except for committing shirk .The word širk comes from the Arabic root Š - R - K ( ش ر ك ), with the general meaning of "to share".In the context of the Quran , the particular sense of "sharing as an equal partner" is usually understood, so that polytheism means "attributing a partner to Allah".In the Qur'an, shirk and the related word mušrikūn (مشركون), — those who commit shirk and plot against Islam — often refer to the enemies of Islam (as in verse 9.1–15).Nadwi , "Vocabulary of the Qur'an "
Red text was written in or rewritten since the previous snapshot. Their copy is revision 668054269.
The opening as it stood in 2020 6 passages from the previous snapshot no longer appear
the worship of anyone or anything besides Allah In Islam , shirk ( širk ) is the sin of idolatry or polytheism ( i.e. , the deification or worship of anyone or anything besides Allah ).It means ascribing to, or the establishment of, partners placed beside Allah.It is termed Tawhid ( monotheism ).Mušrikūn مشركون (pl. of mušrik مشرك ) are those who practice shirk , which literally means "association" and refers to accepting other gods and divinities alongside God (as God's "associates").Within Islamic law shirk is an unforgivable crime since it is the worst sin: Allah may forgive any sin except for committing shirk .Even shirk can be forgiven by Allah if a person asks for forgiveness before he is the in last moments of death.Most of the companions used to worship others with Allah.However, when they accepted Islam and left shirk, Allah forgave them, and they became the best nation.Allah says in Surah Zumar: قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ - 39:53 Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah.Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful." Nonbelief: An Islamic Perspective Kamoonpuri, S: "Basic Beliefs of Islam" pages 42–58.Encyclopaedia of Islam (2nd ed.).The New Encyclopedia of Islam .
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The opening as it stood on October 6, 2023 8 passages from the previous snapshot no longer appear
Islamic sin Shirk ( ; širk , lit. "association") in Islam is the sin of idolatry or polytheism (i.e., the deification or worship of anyone or anything besides God ). Islam teaches that God does not share his divine attributes with anyone.Associating partners with God is disallowed according to the Islamic doctrine of Tawhid ( oneness ). Mušrikūn مشركون (pl. of mušrik مشرك ) are those who practice shirk , which literally means "association" and refers to accepting other gods and divinities alongside God (as God’s "associates"). The Qur'an considers shirk as a sin that will not be forgiven if a person dies without repenting of it. Encyclopaedia of Islam (2nd ed.). The New Encyclopedia of Islam . The meaning of the verse is that whoever dies while a Mushrik (polytheist) Allah will not forgive him and he will surely be punished for this sin, i.e. he will remain in Hell-fire forever.As for the person who repents, Allah forgives his previous Shirk.
Red text was written in or rewritten since the previous snapshot. Their copy is revision 1176982899.
The opening as it stood in 2025 4 passages from the previous snapshot no longer appear
Islamic concept of associating something with God Shirk ( Arabic : شِرْك , lit. ' association ' ) in Islam is a sin often roughly translated as ' idolatry ' or ' polytheism ', but more accurately meaning 'association [with God ]'.It refers to accepting other divinities or powers alongside God as associates.In contrast, Islam teaches that God does not share divine attributes with anyone, as it is disallowed according to the Islamic doctrine of tawhid .It is considered to be the gravest sin in Islam.The Quran , the central religious text of Islam, states in 4:48 that God will not forgive shirk if one dies without repenting of it.The one who commits shirk is called a mushrik .The opposite of shirk is tawhid and the opposite of mushrik is muwahhid . ."Key terms of the Qur'an: a critical dictionary." (2023): 1-840. Encyclopaedia of Islam (2nd ed.). The New Encyclopedia of Islam . The meaning of the verse is that whoever dies while a Mushrik (polytheist) Allah will not forgive him and he will surely be punished for this sin, i.e. he will remain in Hell-fire forever. As for the person who repents, Allah forgives his previous Shirk. Islam: A Worldwide Encyclopedia .There are <ref group=lower-alpha> tags or templates on this page, but the references will not show without a template or template (see the help page ).
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Today
In 2005 Wikipedia's first sentence called it “islamic concept of the sin of idolatry”. Today it says “sin often roughly translated as ' idolatry ' or ' polytheism '”. Read the current article and compare.
2005
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2025
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What Wikipedia says this is
Every article opens by defining its subject. This one was redefined between 2005 and 2025.
Then
islamic concept of the sin of idolatry
Now
sin often roughly translated as ' idolatry ' or ' polytheism '
Struck red text is no longer in the article; dotted amber text was rewritten. Every revision id links to Wikipedia's copy; the text shown is our own saved copy. Data: /data. Wikipedia text is CC BY-SA; quoted for the record; not affiliated with Wikipedia.
