The Messenger of Allah ﷺ warned against hidden shirk and taught us a supplication for seeking protection from it: "O Allah, we seek refuge in You from associating anything with You knowingly, and we ask Your forgiveness for what we do unknowingly." Some wonder about the scope of this supplication—whether it covers various situations such as occasionally preferring sin, hesitating to obey parents when their request involves wrongdoing, or forgetting past deeds and doubting them. The question also explores whether this supplication can be considered a form of repentance, especially in light of Ibn al-Qayyim's statement that repentance is only valid when the sin is recognized and acknowledged. Does this supplication suffice for seeking forgiveness for unknown sins, and can it be regarded as a form of repentance?
Shirk is divided into major and minor shirk. Major shirk is clear and apparent, such as associating partners with Allah in worship, and it is unforgivable except through repentance. Minor shirk, on the other hand, is subtle, like showing off (riya), swearing by something other than Allah, and saying, "If not for Allah and so-and-so," which the Prophet ﷺ described as being more hidden than the creeping of an ant. Sins and following desires do not fall under shirk, whether major or minor, but they remain serious and require repentance. Additionally, obsessive thoughts (waswas) are a severe affliction that one must ignore and avoid indulging in to prevent confusion and doubt.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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