What is the criterion for distinguishing between the means of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and the means of bid'ah (religious innovation)?

The student: What is the criterion for distinguishing between the means of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and the means of bid'ah (religious innovation)?

The Shaykh : The means of bid'ah (religious innovation) is that which was not transmitted from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) or from his Companions. The means of shirk (associating partners with Allah) is that which includes associating other than Allah with Allah. Although bid'ah (religious innovation) is called shirk (associating partners with Allah) in the general sense, because the innovator legislates a law that Allah has not legislated, and Allah has named that shirk (associating partners with Allah), saying: But that which has the appearance of shirk (associating partners with Allah) is predominantly called shirk (associating partners with Allah), and that which has an appearance other than that is called by the name specific to it. For this reason, some scholars said: All sins are shirk (associating partners with Allah), because the person associates his desire with Allah in them, as Allah the Exalted said: