Shirk (polytheism) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Quote:

When the Qur'an describes shirk it frequently seems to be referring to and disparaging the Christian dogma of the divinity of Jesus (4:171). . . . In a theological context one commits shirk by associating some lesser being with Allah. This sin is committed if one imagines that there is some other spirit than Allah whom it is suitable to worship. . . . The limits of the concept of worship are quite elastic and theologians often describe excessive veneration of some artifact here on earth as shirk.

It's not easy to say who is a shirker and who is not. I'd say these people crossed the line.