Q 2: What is the ruling on people who put some money as charity in vow boxes that are placed inside the domed sepulchers of some righteous dead people, or seek blessings from the graves, or from the buried people through sprinkling musk, or circumambulate the graves to obtain blessings from them? Also, while the music is being played, some people sing poems with words such as: "Give me strength, O Shaykh `Abdul-Rahim" or "Give me strength, O Shaykh Ibrahim"?

A: Tabarruk (seeking blessings) from the dead is an act of major Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship that takes the Muslim out of Islam), and a path to Shirk if it is intended as means for obtaining blessings from Allah (Exalted be He). Likewise, making a vow to the dead is an act of major Shirk. Vowing is an act of `Ibadah (worship); therefore, anyone who dedicates it to any other than Allah (Exalted be He) is considered a Mushrik (one who associates others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). Also, it is not permissible to offer Salah (Prayer) behind an Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) who asks for blessings from the graves, makes vows or offers sacrifices to them, or seek the help of those buried in them. Such a person is a Mushrik. Songs and music are Haram (unlawful), because they are forbidden forms of amusement. If songs include words that appeal to the dead for help and provision, singing such songs is regarded as a form of major Shirk. (Part No. 1; Page No. 51) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.