Q 2: During Ramadan, some worshippers follow each two Rak`ahs (units of Prayer) during Tarawih (special supererogatory night Prayer in Ramadan) with a Du`a' (supplication) to Allah through one of the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet). For example, they say, "By the honor of the venerable Sahaby (Companion) so-and-so, we ask Allah to accept our Salah (Prayer) and Sawm (Fast)." I have advised them, but it was in vain. I now perform the (Tarawih) Salah by myself in a corner of the Masjid (mosque). Should I perform Salah with them or do it by myself as I am doing? Please give me a Fatwa on this and may Allah reward you with the best reward.

A: Making Du`a' to Allah through the honor or life of the Messenger of Allah, one of the Sahabah, or others is not permissible, because acts of `Ibadah (worship) are Tawqifiy (bound by a religious text and not amenable to personal opinion). Allah did not permit that to be done. What He did permit was for His Servants to supplicate to Him (Glorified be He) with His Names, Attributes, acknowledgement of His Oneness, belief in Him, and righteous deeds, but not through the honor or life of anyone. It is therefore obligatory for every Mukallaf (person meeting the conditions to be held legally accountable for their actions) to restrict themselves to what Allah (Exalted be He) ordained. Accordingly, they should realize that supplicating to Allah through the honor, life, or rank of anyone is Bid`ah (innovation in religion). It is authentically reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that he said, Anyone who does something in this matter of ours (the religion) that is not from it, it will be rejected. Authenticity agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. He (peace be upon him) also said, Anyone who does something that we have not ordered (in worship) it will be rejected. (Part No. 1; Page No. 154)  Related by Imam Muslim in his Sahih [Book of Authentic Hadith]. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.