Q 1: An illiterate man who testifies that, “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammad Rasulullah (There is no god but Allah and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His Messenger)” but makes Tawassul (supplicating to Allah through a means) by other than Allah saying: "O Badawy, O Husayn, help me". He also offers vows to people other than Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) and seeks blessings by touching the graves. He commits Al-Shirk-ul-Akbar (major form of associating others in worship with Allah) over and above Al-Shirk-ul-Asghar (minor form of associating others in worship with Allah). Is it permissible to call him a Kafir (disbeliever) or he is only ignorant of Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah/ monotheism) and should not be accused of Kufr (disbelief)? Is it permissible to perform Salah (Prayer) behind him, marry him, and eat from his sacrificed animals as he mentions the Name of Allah on it? Please reply, may Allah grant you success.

A: Making Du`a' (supplication) to anyone other than Allah is an act of Al-Shirk-ul-Akbar. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And whoever invokes (or worships), besides Allâh, any other ilâh (god), of whom he has no proof; then his reckoning is only with his Lord. Surely! Al-Kâfirûn (the disbelievers in Allâh and in the Oneness of Allâh, polytheists, pagans, idolaters) will not be successful. He (Exalted be He) says: "And invoke not besides Allâh, any such that will neither profit you nor harm you, but if (in case) you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers)." (Part No. 1; Page No. 144) Tawassul may be an act of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship), a prohibited act, or an act of Bid`ah (innovation in religion); all of these are forbidden. Seeking blessings by touching graves is also prohibited and an act of Shirk. Whoever commits an act of Shirk, the ruling should be made clear to them supported by evidence. If they make Tawbah (repentance to Allah), so praise be to Allah. If they insist on their evil practice, they are rendered Kafirs (disbelievers) and it is not permissible to perform Salah behind them, marry them, or eat from their sacrificed animals even in the case that they mention the Name of Allah on their sacrifices.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.