Sheikh Khaled Al-Gendy, member of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, warned during a special episode of the program “Let Them Understand” against the most dangerous hidden forms of shirk, which many people fall into unknowingly. He stressed that attributing blessings and achievements to oneself instead of God constitutes a subtle form of shirk.

Al-Gendy explained that disbelief can be divided into three main types:

1. 
   

   Disbelief of Denial: Completely denying the existence of God, as with atheists who reject the Creator.

   
   


2. 
   

   Disbelief of Shirk (Polytheism): Acknowledging God’s existence but attributing worship or merit to a partner, such as believing God has a child or partner, which leads to shirk.

   
   


3. 
   

   Disbelief of Stubbornness: Recognizing God but refusing to obey His commands, as exemplified by Iblis, who did not deny God but refused to prostrate out of pride, representing rebellion despite knowledge.

   
   

He cited the example of the owner of two gardens in Surah Al-Kahf, who acknowledged his Lord but attributed his success to himself by saying “I,” illustrating one of the most dangerous hidden forms of shirk that many fall into without realizing.

Al-Gendy warned against believing that one’s achievements come solely from personal effort, emphasizing that all blessings are from God alone. Thanking God for His favors brings blessings and protects against arrogance and pride.

He added that understanding these principles encourages humility and gratitude, strengthens one’s connection with God in daily life, and transforms gratitude into practical actions that positively impact spiritual and social life.