By contrast, prostrating to that image and seeking the intercession of the one portrayed in it is another matter altogether, for no prophet ever legislated such a practice. Never did any prophet command that anyone besides Allah, mighty and majestic, be invoked—whether at his grave or in his absence—nor that his intercession be sought while he is absent after his death. This is unlike seeking the intercession of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, during his lifetime and on the Day of Resurrection, or taking him as a means by requesting his supplication and by believing in him; this, indeed, is part of the revealed law brought by the prophets, peace be upon them all.

For this reason the Exalted said:

“Ask those of Our messengers whom We sent before you: Did We ever appoint, apart from the Most Merciful, gods to be worshipped?” [az-Zukhruf: 45]

He also said:

“We sent no messenger before you without revealing to him: ‘There is no deity worthy of worship except Me, so worship Me.’” [al-Anbiyāʾ: 25]

And He said:

“We have indeed sent a messenger to every nation, saying, ‘Worship Allah and shun false gods.’ Some of them Allah guided, while misguidance was justly decreed for others.” [an-Naḥl: 36]