The closest meaning to Shirk in English is the word “Polytheism” … which specifically means
The belief of many gods - who in combination have power over the affairs of existence.
Islamic Monotheism is so pure that it not only negates the concept of many gods … but it also rejects any Attribute of God can be shared by any other entity.
Certain concepts however can be misunderstood by the under-initiated … For example concepts such as “light”.
Light is understood and seen in this world - it is absurd to even suggest that “light” in application to a created being is in any way shirk. And when terms such as “Light” are applied to the Divine they must be understood within the limits of the language. There are core concepts that define a limit of understanding and then there are other concepts that provide a semblance of meaning but cannot be literal for they would create uncomfortable tensions with other existing definitions.
If there is nothing like Allah (SWT) and Allah (SWT) Attributes Light to Himself - then the only option remaining for true understanding is that the “Light” in reference to Allah (SWT) must be nothing like the “light” we understand is part of this existence.
And this is just one example …
An act of worship has two matters about it … It is the outwardness of the act itself and the inwardness of the worshiping state … It can neither be said that a person necessarily is in worship if he puts his forehead on the ground nor can it be said he is not in worship if he is lying on his bed looking up at the ceiling. Rather the act of worship is governed by the internal condition first and the excellence of it is manifested in the outwardness as well.
Please use this space to discuss idolatry - (incarnation - to living beings or imagery) and shirk in general … try to use the rules of understanding shirk to navigate between whether something qualifies as shirk or not.