Tawheed and Shirk Claim-Checking Worksheet

What this resource is

This is a structured evidence-recording worksheet. It helps a learner slow down, identify the claim being checked, open the cited source, separate the Qur’an from its translation and explanation, and record what the evidence does and does not establish.

It is not automatically marked. The automarked activity attached to this topic is the “What Tawheed Means: Knowledge Check”. This worksheet is intended for careful study, classroom discussion, printing or a future saved-response feature.

Before you begin

• Work on one claim at a time.
• Use an identified source rather than memory or a search snippet.
• Keep the Arabic Qur’an, transliteration, translation and tafsir in separate fields.
• Write “not established by this evidence” when the source does not support the claim.
• Do not use this worksheet to accuse or pronounce judgement upon a named person.
• Send unresolved questions of interpretation or personal judgement to a qualified reviewer.

1. State the claim precisely

Claim being checked:

Where did you encounter this claim?

Is the claim about:

• the meaning of a Qur’anic passage
• the definition of tawheed
• the definition of shirk
• an action in general
• a named person
• something else

If “a named person” is selected, display this warning:

Stop before continuing. Learning a general category is not the same as judging a particular person. This worksheet does not authorise personal accusations. Record the question for qualified review.

2. Record the primary evidence

Qur’an reference:

Direct Arabic wording:

Transliteration source and wording:
[Source field]

English translation and translator:
[Translator field]

Direct source link:

Evidence check:

• I opened the full ayah rather than relying on a quotation card.
• I read the surrounding passage where context may affect the claim.
• I labelled the English wording as a translation.
• I have not altered the quoted wording silently.

3. Record any explanation separately

Named tafsir or scholarly explanation:

What this explanation adds:

Does the source report more than one recognised explanation?

• No
• Yes — record the alternatives below
• I do not know — send for review

Alternatives, qualifications or uncertainty:

Reminder:

Tafsir and scholarly explanation can clarify a verse, but they must not be displayed as though their words are part of the Qur’an.

4. Define the limit of the evidence

This evidence directly establishes:

This evidence does not establish by itself:

Any conclusion that depends on an inference rather than direct wording:

Additional source needed:

5. Classify the result

Choose one result after completing the fields:

• Supported by the recorded evidence — the claim does not go beyond the cited wording and reviewed explanation.
• Partly supported — a narrower statement is supported, but the original claim is too broad.
• Not established — the evidence provided does not support the claim.
• Needs qualified review — the question depends on language, interpretation, law, personal circumstances or disputed evidence.

Rewrite the claim so it matches the evidence:

6. Safety check for shirk-related claims

• I have separated a general definition from a judgement about a person.
• I have not assumed intention, knowledge or circumstances that are not established.
• I have not treated a search result, short clip or anonymous post as an authority.
• I have kept Qur’an 39:53 in view when discussing repentance and have not used warning verses to close a door the Qur’an leaves open.
• I have recorded the question for review where the conclusion exceeds an introductory learner resource.

Reviewer question:

7. Continue learning

• Return to “What Tawheed Means” if the claim concerns the foundation.
• Open “Worship Belongs to the Creator Alone” if the claim concerns an act of worship.
• Open “Recognising Shirk with Care” if the claim concerns the definition or severity of shirk.
• Complete the automarked knowledge check only after reading the connected lesson.