Title: Some Remarks Implying Shirk... Question: By briefly reading your previous articles, I have gathered that shirk is "associating partners with Allah". Can I say if you do not worship statues etc. but the following circumstances are examples that illustrate why I am confused as hat is to be classified as shirk: After seeing something like your favorite team win a cricket match, and giving them the sole credit for their victory by exclaiming: "excellent! We did it! They are the best! They are so talented!" Another example: After passing all the exams at school, saying: "See, I have done it! You didn't think I could do it but I totally achieved the highest possible grades!" I have to point out, though someone like me might say these things at that moment, I am never actually in my heart convinced it is by my OWN actions or SOMEONES actions that achieved the subject in question. Does one, by learning not to get "carried away" and "making such remarks" in such situations only then free him/herself from committing shirk? Finally, is this sin forgivable in these circumstances? I am totally confused on this matter so please try to explain this to me (this makes my head spin). Also, I hope I have clarified the topics of confusion clearly. Thank you, Anonymous Pakistan Answer: Shirk , it should be noted is the concept of associating partners to the Almighty. Certainly this concept materializes in some actions one does. But some of these actions, which can be termed polytheistic here can otherwise be totally non-polytheistic in implication. The examples you have mentioned can not be termed Shirk if viewed regardless of the involved person's belief. If such person is required to tell if he believes that he could make these things happen by himself or even without the will of the Almighty he would certainly answer in negative unless he declares himself to be adherent of polytheism. This I think is one's expression out of mere excitement he is experiencing. Though such an individual always knows that he could even be beaten after being so close of the completion of his task. However, such expressions or 'being carried away', as you put it, may be considered against the virtue of humility. A believer is expected to thank God the Almighty on such occasions that He has blessed him with such a magnificent achievement. It is only the Almighty who enabled him carry such task to completion or overcome a powerful adversary. In my opinion, therefore, it would not be very wise to term such remarks as indicative of Shirk in all circumstances. I hope this helps Tariq Mahmood Hashmi April 4, 2003