to the disciples, ‘Who will be my supporters for Allah?’ The disciples said, ‘We are Allah’s supporters.’ Then a group of the Children of Israel believed, while another group disbelieved. So We supported those who believed against their enemy, and they became victorious.”

They had killed John, son of Zechariah, and other prophets, peace and blessings be upon them. Allah Most High said:

“Humiliation and destitution were imposed upon them, and they incurred Allah’s wrath. That was because they used to disbelieve in Allah’s signs and kill the prophets without right. That was because they disobeyed and used to transgress.”

If, then, the Companions, such as ʿUmar ibn al-Khattāb and others, did not adjure Allah by the Prophet’s person, either during his lifetime—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—or after his death, but sought to draw near to Allah only through obedience to him or through his intercession, what, then, is to be said of invoking and petitioning created beings who are absent or dead—prophets, angels, and others?

Allah Most High has said:

“Say, ‘Call upon those whom you claim besides Him. They have no power to remove harm from you or to shift it elsewhere.’”

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

A group of the early generations said:

Some people used to invoke angels and prophets, such as the Messiah, Ezra, and others. Allah forbade this and stated that those being invoked themselves hope for Allah’s mercy, fear His punishment, and seek to draw near to Him. They have no power to remove harm from those invoking them or to shift it away from them.

Allah Most High has also said:

“It is not for any human being to whom Allah has given the Scripture, wisdom, and prophethood to then say to people, ‘Be my worshippers instead of Allah’s.’ Rather, ‘Be devoted scholars of the Lord because you teach the Scripture and because you study it.’”

“Nor would he command you to take angels and prophets as lords. Would he command you to disbelieve after you have become Muslims?”