Seeking nearness to Allah through a deceased person is of two types; one of them is that if one seeks nearness without directing any act of worship to the deceased, it is considered a religious innovation (bid'ah). Is not seeking nearness (tawassul) an act of worship?

Question:
Yes. Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. He says: In a previous lesson, it was mentioned that seeking nearness to Allah through a deceased person is of two types, one of which is that if one seeks nearness without directing any act of worship to the deceased, it is considered a religious innovation (bid'ah). Is not seeking nearness (tawassul) an act of worship?

Answer:
No. Seeking nearness (tawassul) is asking the deceased for supplication. If one does not direct any part of worship to the deceased, this is a religious innovation (bid'ah) and a means to associating partners with Allah (shirk).