From a linguistic viewpoint, the word shirk simply means putting two things on an equal footing. But a view of the same word from an Islamic perspective gives room for a wider import of two subdivision: general and specific meanings.
General Meaning
The general meaning of Shirk implies believing in someone or something as equal to Allah in what should be exclusive for Him. This is also subdivided into three types as follows:
1─ Shirk in Allah's Lordship. This happens when one picks an equal for Allah in a Lordship-related attribute, or ascribe such an attribute to any other being. This Lordship-related attributes include: creation and the act of providing for the created, giving and taking of life, as well as the running of the universe. Allah, the Exalted, says,
Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the heaven and earth? There in no deity worthy of worship save He. How then are you deluded? [Quran (35):3]
2─ Shirk with regards to Allah's names and attributes. That is to invent a peer for Him in any of His names or qualities, for He has said,
Nothing is like Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing. [Quran (42):11]
3─ Shirk in Allah's Divinity. This is to give any of His divine characteristic or the right of being worshipped to another being. This may be through prayer, fasting, supplication, seeking help, animal sacrifices, vows, etc. Allah, the Exalted, says,
And [yet], there are among the people who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they love Allah. [Quran (2):165]
Specific Meaning
As for the specific meaning of Shirk, this implies giving to Allah a rival whom one will also invoke, ask for his/its intercession, love, and even see as his/her hope. Each time the word Shirk is mentioned either in the Glorious Quran or the hadith, this special meaning of the word usually comes first to mind.
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