74—Calling Upon the Righteous Besides Allah Is an Invalid Form of Tawassul

We have already discussed tawassul (seeking a means of approach to Allah) and explained its correct meaning as established in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger—peace and blessings be upon him. We also previously noted that a number of mistaken notions and unsound assertions have become widespread among some people, who suppose them to be legitimate forms of tawassul that bring one nearer to Allah, Glorious and Exalted. Some people may also be led by their love for the devout servants of Allah and the righteous to venerate them in an unlawful manner—seeking their aid, calling upon them besides Allah, looking to them for the fulfillment of their needs, and calling this tawassul.

In this important matter, a Muslim must recognize the true worth, status, and rank of the devout servants of Allah and the righteous, without allowing that recognition to lead to excess concerning them. Indeed, excess concerning them has been the root and cause of associating partners with Allah in both ancient and modern times, because people are particularly susceptible to associating them with Allah. Satan presents this to them in the guise of love, veneration, respect, and reverence for the devout servants of Allah and the righteous.

Al-Bukhārī related in his Sahīh from Ibn Abbās—may Allah be pleased with them both—concerning the words of Allah Most High: “And they said, ‘Never forsake your gods. Never forsake Wadd, Suwā, Yaghūth, Yaūq, or Nasr.’” 1 Ibn Abbās said: “These were the names of righteous men from among the people of Noah. When they died, Satan inspired their people to erect monuments at the places where they used to sit and to name them after those men. They did so, but the monuments were not worshipped until that generation had died and the knowledge had been forgotten; then they were worshipped.”2.