rather, they are constantly conscious of falling short and of failing to discharge Allah’s rights, even though they have attained a lofty degree of piety, scrupulousness, and asceticism?

Answer: Yes. The hallmark of the righteous—whether the early forbears of these imams or those who followed in their footsteps—is that they make no claim of sainthood for themselves and remain acutely aware of their own deficiencies and shortcomings. Allah, the Exalted, says: “Those who give what they give while their hearts tremble, for they know that they will return to their Lord” (23:60). He also says about the Messiah, his mother, and Ezra (peace be upon them): “Those whom you invoke besides Him themselves seek a means of approach to their Lord—whichever of them is nearest—hoping for His mercy and fearing His punishment. Surely your Lord’s punishment is ever to be feared” (17:57). And concerning the prophets in general He says: “Indeed, they used to hasten to do good works; they called upon Us in hope and fear, and they were humble before Us” (21:90).

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Seeking Intercession through the Dead and the Absent

Question: Some people engage in tawassul by means other than Allah and request assistance from saints and righteous individuals, even though they verbally affirm Allah’s oneness, pray, and fast. When we forbid them, they stubbornly argue, try to distort the meanings of the Quran, and say, “I am not asking these figures directly for benefit or protection from harm; rather, I am asking Allah through their blessedness, righteousness, and piety.” Is there any difference between asking them directly and asking Allah through them, and is what this person claims correct or not?

Answer: Tawassul through the dead and the absent is forbidden and impermissible, because the deceased and the absent are unable to do anything that is requested of them. Moreover, this differs