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With this understood, it is now clear that the terms “wasīlah” (a means of drawing near) and “tawassul” (seeking a means of drawing near) involve ambiguity and uncertainty. Their meanings must be understood, and each must be given its due. One must understand what the Quran and Sunnah say concerning these terms and what they mean, as well as what the Companions said and did in this regard and what that meant. One must also recognize the usages and meanings introduced by those who brought about innovations. Much of people’s confusion in this matter stems from insufficiently defined expressions and the use of the same words for different meanings, to the point that most of them cannot give a clear, decisive account of the matter.

The term wasīlah occurs in the Quran in the words of Allah Most High:

“O you who believe, fear Allah and seek a means of drawing near to Him.”

And in His words:

“Say: Call upon those whom you claim to be gods besides Him. They have no power to remove harm from you or to transfer it elsewhere.”

“Those whom they invoke themselves seek a means of drawing near to their Lord, striving to be closest to Him. They hope for His mercy and fear His punishment. Indeed, your Lord’s punishment is to be feared.”

The means of drawing near that Allah has commanded people to seek, and which He has stated that His angels and prophets seek, consists of the obligatory and recommended deeds through which one draws near to Him. Thus, this means of drawing near, which