The lesser shirk and whether it takes one out of the religion

Question:
Shaykh Salih, he says: May Allah bless you, Honorable Shaykh, what is minor shirk? Does it cause the Muslim to leave his religion and his faith?

Answer:
The lesser shirk is what is mentioned in the hadiths as shirk, but it does not take one out of the religion, and it does not reach the level of major shirk. For example, swearing by other than Allah, or saying, “If not for Allah and you,” or “What Allah willed and you willed,” or the like. It can be in the words, and it can be in the heart as showing off (riya’). That is, one beautifies his worship, or performs voluntary acts in order for people to praise him, or gives charity in order for people to praise him. This is riya’, and it is lesser shirk. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) feared it for his Companions, so he said: The lesser shirk. He was asked about it, and he said: It is riya’. A man stands to pray and beautifies his prayer because a man is looking at him. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you,