Q: What is the ruling on seeking help from the dead, such as saying, "Madad (Give me help and strength), O so-and-so!", or seeking help from the living who are absent and do not hear the one calling for their help?

A1: First: if one calls upon a dead person for help saying: "Madad (Give me help and strength), O so-and-so!", they must be advised and warned that this is Haram (prohibited); it is even an act of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). A person who insists on doing this is considered a Mushrik (one who associates others in worship with Allah) and a Kafir (disbeliever), because they are asking someone other than Allah to do something that no one is able to do except Allah. Thus, they have attributed to the creatures a right that solely belongs to Allah. Allah, Exalted be He, says (what means): Verily, whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allâh, then Allâh has forbidden Paradise to him, and the Fire will be his abode. (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5: 72). Second: seeking help and strength from the living who are absent is also impermissible, because it is supplication to other than Allah and asking for what Allah alone can do. This is also considered Shirk, as Allah the Exalted says (what means): So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord. (Surah Al-Kahf, 18: 110). Calling upon the absent living is a form of worship. A person who does so should be advised. If they do not accept the advice, they are considered Mushriks outside the fold of Islam.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.