and the earth and all that is between them in six days, then rose over the Throne. You have no protector or intercessor besides Him. Will you not then take heed?”
The Most High also said:
“And warn with it those who fear being gathered before their Lord, having no protector or intercessor besides Him, so that they may become mindful of Him.”
The Most High also said:
“It is not for a human being whom Allah has given the Scripture, wisdom, and prophethood to then say to people, ‘Be servants of mine instead of Allah.’ Rather, ‘Be godly scholars because of your teaching of the Scripture and your study of it.’”
“Nor would he command you to take the angels and prophets as lords. Would he command you to disbelieve after you have become Muslims?”
If someone who takes the angels and prophets as lords is deemed an unbeliever, what then of someone who takes as lords those beneath them, such as shaykhs and others?
To explain in detail: if what a servant seeks is something that none but Allah Most High can bring about—such as healing for a sick person or animal in his care; repayment of his debt from no specified source; well-being for his family and relief from the afflictions he suffers in this world and the Hereafter; victory over his enemy; guidance for his heart; forgiveness of his sins; admission to Paradise; deliverance from the Fire; learning knowledge and the Quran; or setting his heart right, improving his character, and purifying his soul, and similar things—then all these things may be sought only from Allah Most High. It is not permissible to say to an angel, a prophet, or a shaykh—whether alive or dead—“Forgive my sin,” “Grant me victory over my enemy,” “Heal my sick one,” or “Restore my health, or that of my family or my riding animal,”