What is Taghut?
A Taghut is anything or anyone that is worships besides Allah and is pleased with it. The word comes from Arabic, which translates into 'idol'. Anyone can be a Taghut, so it doesn't exclude just statues.
There are different objects, people or animals, that are worshiped. As a Muslim, it is important to reject this Tawaghit (plural of Taghut). The concept of rejecting idols in Islam is called 'Kufr bi Taghut'.
Every act of worship belongs to Allah alone. No one has the right to be worshiped except Him. That is the foundation of Islam that every Muslim should adhere to. It is also the first pillar of Faith: Belief in Allah.
Anyone who disbelieves in idols and believes in Allah has grasped a strong hold that will never break. And Allah is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
(2:256 Quran)
For example, if one gives away an Attribute of Allah to something or someone, he sees that as a god or partner next to Allah. And that is what Islam strongly prohibits, for that is the major form of Shirk.
And verily, We have sent to every nation a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah and reject the Taghut (idol).
(16:36 Quran)