Q 4: Is it possible for a Waliy (a pious person) to help someone who is very far from him? For example, if a person lives in India while the Waliy lives in Saudi Arabia, can the Waliy offer physical help to the Indian despite being in Saudi Arabia, while the other is in India?

A: Living people whether they are Awliya' or not can help anyone who seeks their help concerning normal needs, such as providing money, interceding with someone in authority, saving someone from evil or any other need that is within the normal power of human beings. However, what is beyond human power like the example mentioned by the questioner, is not for people, but only for Allah (Exalted be He) Who has no partner. He Alone is the One Who can do anything and He is the One Who has created the natural laws of the universe; and He runs or breaches what He wills. Therefore, for Him (Allah, Alone) is the Word of Truth, to Him is the resort and He Alone can provide support. He is the All-Knower of everything, He has encompassed everything with His Mercy and Wisdom. Moreover, He is the Overall Protector of everything by His Might and Power. None can withhold what He gives, and none can give what He withholds and nothing can repel His verdict and He is able to do all things. He (Exalted be He) says: And who is more astray than one who calls on (invokes) besides Allâh, such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection, and who are (even) unaware of their calls (invocations) to them? And when mankind are gathered (on the Day of Resurrection), they (false deities) will become their enemies and will deny their worshipping. (Part No. 1; Page No. 169) He (Exalted be He) also says: Such is Allâh, your Lord; His is the kingdom. And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmîr (the thin membrane over the date-stone). If you invoke (or call upon) them, they hear not your call; and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it (your request) to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them. And none can inform you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) like Him Who is the All-Knower (of everything). He (Exalted be He) teaches us in Surah Al-Fatihah to say You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything). Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded us to ask Allah Alone and to seek help from Him Alone when he said: If you ask, ask Allah Alone; and if you seek help, seek it from Allah...