How do we distinguish between minor shirk and major shirk?

Question:
Shaykh Salih, how do we also distinguish between minor shirk and major shirk?

Answer:
Major shirk takes one out of the religion. It causes its perpetrator to remain in the Fire . It renders his blood and wealth lawful in jihad in the path of Allah. In this world, and in the Hereafter, he will remain in the Fire if he does not repent to Allah Mighty and Majestic.
As for minor shirk, it is a great sin and a diminishment of tawhid (the oneness of Allah), but it does not take one out of the religion.
It does not take one out of the religion, but it is dangerous and can lead to major shirk. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) feared it for his Companions. He said, "The thing I fear most for you is minor shirk." He was asked about it, and he said, "It is riya' (showing off). A man stands to pray and adorns his prayer because he sees a man looking at him." So minor shirk is dangerous, but it does not take one out of the religion, nor does it make the blood and wealth lawful like major shirk. Yes.