The gravity of the means is proportional to the gravity of the results it leads to, and the gravest means are those leading to Shirk, being the gravest sin by which Allah, Exalted be He, is disobeyed. Whatever leads to Shirk is labelled as an act of Shirk as well. Therefore, Allah, Exalted be He, and His Messenger ? forbade all sayings and acts that lead to Shirk or what may be considered a means leading to falling into Shirk, to block the ways that can potentially lead to it. [207] See: ((Al-Madkhal Li-Diraasat Al-‘Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah)) by Ibraaheem Al-Brayakaan (p. 165), “Tas-heel Al-‘Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah” by ‘Abdullah Al-Jibreen (p. 273), “Manhaj Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa‘ah wa Manhaj Al-Ashaa’irah Fee Tawheed Allah” by Khsalid ‘Abdul-Lateef (1/100).