❖ Islamic Ruling on Tawassul through the Deceased and the Stance of the Salaf al-Salih ❖
Source: Fatawa 'Ilmiyyah, Volume 1, Kitab al-'Aqaid, Page 83
Some individuals hold the belief of Tawassul through the deceased (tawassul bil-mawta). Certain Hanafi individuals accuse the Salaf scholars of also believing in this practice. What is the response to this claim in the light of the Qur'an and Hadith?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
Tawassul through the deceased refers to presenting the deceased as a means or intermediary in supplication (duʿāʼ).
◈ This is an innovation (bid‘ah), as there is no evidence from the Qur’an, Sunnah, or the practice of the Salaf al-Sāliḥīn to support it. Therefore, it must be completely avoided.
This practice is a form of bid‘ah that serves as a hidden gateway to something dangerous — as it has a direct connection to shirk (associating partners with Allah). In fact, this type of tawassul sometimes transforms into a grave form of shirk.
For a detailed analysis, refer to the book "Al-Wasīlah" by Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله, as well as other scholarly works.
Tawassul through the deceased is an innovation, as there is no Shar‘i evidence for it.
It can often become a pathway to shirk, and thus, it is essential to completely abstain from it.
ھذا ما عندي، واللہ أعلم بالصواب
Source: Fatawa 'Ilmiyyah, Volume 1, Kitab al-'Aqaid, Page 83❖ Question:
Some individuals hold the belief of Tawassul through the deceased (tawassul bil-mawta). Certain Hanafi individuals accuse the Salaf scholars of also believing in this practice. What is the response to this claim in the light of the Qur'an and Hadith?
❖ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
Tawassul through the deceased refers to presenting the deceased as a means or intermediary in supplication (duʿāʼ).
❖ Ruling on Tawassul through the Deceased:
◈ This is an innovation (bid‘ah), as there is no evidence from the Qur’an, Sunnah, or the practice of the Salaf al-Sāliḥīn to support it. Therefore, it must be completely avoided.
❖ Tawassul through the Deceased and the Risk of Shirk:
This practice is a form of bid‘ah that serves as a hidden gateway to something dangerous — as it has a direct connection to shirk (associating partners with Allah). In fact, this type of tawassul sometimes transforms into a grave form of shirk.
For a detailed analysis, refer to the book "Al-Wasīlah" by Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله, as well as other scholarly works.❖ Conclusion:
Tawassul through the deceased is an innovation, as there is no Shar‘i evidence for it. It can often become a pathway to shirk, and thus, it is essential to completely abstain from it.ھذا ما عندي، واللہ أعلم بالصواب
