Re: Presence of Shirk among sunni and shia muslims [merged]
May be Robert missed this post
Iconoclast-
I read this note before. Since you mentioned I am read it again. Things needs to put in a context. A begger begging you for a piece of bread, does not believe that you share the devine powers with God. Mushrik is the one, who believes that God alone is not the ultimate devine power. People asking from help from dead or alive, usually know that the ultimate source is the devine power we call God. Statements like Sun provides us light and energy, is not shirk, as long as you believe who created Sun. Calling Ya Ali Madad, is not shirk because God created Ali (everyone believes it). There may be certain things, you find inapproriate for your taste, which is perfectly fine. But accusing someone of shirk, is a big charge. Putting things in context is crucial. Calling Ya Ali Madad, is not the same as praying a statue made up of stone and believing its the living God.