Q: Attached is a copy of a Du‘a’ (supplication) distributed by some immigrants to be said in Safar. The Du‘a’ includes: "O Allah! By the virtue of the status of Al-Hasan, his brother, grandfather, and father, protect us from anything evil on that day and whatever may take place on it, O All-Sufficient One. So Allâh will suffice you against them. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs. There is neither might nor power except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.O Allah! We ask You by Your Beautiful Names, Perfect Words, and the honor of Your Prophet, our leader Muhammad (peace be upon him), to protect us and save us from any trials You may send, for You are the Only One Who can ward off afflictions. O Reliever of distresses! Relieve our distress and remove from us any distress that has been destined to befall us this year. Indeed, You are Omnipotent over all things." I hope Your Eminence will examine this Du‘a’.

A: This is an innovated Du‘a’ for being restricted to a certain date. (Part No. 1; Page No. 187) It also includes Tawassul (supplicating to Allah by virtue of the status of someone or something) by Al-Hasan, Al-Husayn, the honor of the Messenger (peace be upon him), and names given to Allah that are neither stated in the Qur’an nor in the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet). It is not permissible to name Allah (Glorified be He) except with what He has named Himself with in His Book or revealed to His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him). Tawassul by people or by the virtue of their status in Du‘a’ is Bid‘ah (innovation in religion), and every Bid‘ah is misguidance and a means to Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). Accordingly, the circulation of this Du‘a’ should be banned and any copies should be destroyed. It seems to be the work of Shiites. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.