‘We worship them only so that they may bring us nearer to Allah.’ 1 And He—glorified and exalted is He—said: ‘Or have they taken intercessors besides Allah? Say, “Even though they possess no power whatsoever and have no understanding?” Say, “All intercession belongs to Allah. To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; then to Him you will be returned.”’ 2 And the Exalted said: ‘Apart from Him, you have neither protector nor intercessor. Will you not then take heed?’ 3 And the Exalted said: ‘Who is there that can intercede with Him except by His permission?’ 4 Thus, He made clear the distinction between Himself and His creation. It is customary for people to seek the intercession, with one of their eminent figures, of someone dear to him. That intercessor then makes a request, and the person grants the need—whether out of desire, fear, embarrassment, affection, or some other motive. With Allah, however, no one may intercede until He permits the intercessor. He does only what He wills, and the intercessor’s intercession itself occurs by His permission. The entire affair belongs to Him.” 5 Thus ends his statement—may Allah have mercy on him.

Calling these polytheistic practices “seeking nearness” does not alter their true nature or avail anything against the truth. A mere change of name has no bearing on whether something is lawful or unlawful. What is lawful does not become unlawful if someone calls it by another name, nor does what is unlawful become lawful if someone calls it by another name. Whoever gives wine another name and drinks it is subject to the same ruling as one who drinks it while calling it by its proper name, without disagreement among Muslims.