It is narrated from Hazrat Thawban (may Allah be pleased with him) that he heard the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: Even if I were given the world and whatever is in it in exchange for this verse, I would not like it: "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves..." A man asked, "O Messenger of Allah! What is the ruling for one who commits shirk (associates partners with Allah)?" At this, the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) remained silent. Then after a short while, he said three times, "Except for the polytheist."