The ruling on seeking protection through the Messenger of Allah?

The questioner : The questioner says: What is your opinion of the one who says when making supplication, "We have placed our reliance on Allah"?

The Shaykh : I have placed my reliance on Allah.

The questioner : And I have taken refuge in Allah.

The Shaykh : Yes.

The questioner : And I sought protection through the Messenger of Allah. And he asks: Is the phrase "I sought protection through the Messenger of Allah" correct?

The Shaykh : As for the one who says, "I believe in Allah, I have placed my reliance on Allah, and I have taken refuge in Allah," there is nothing wrong with that. This is the state of every believer: to be one who places his reliance on Allah the Exalted, believes in Him, and takes refuge in Him. As for the phrase "I sought protection through the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)," it is a denunciation-worthy phrase. Seeking protection through the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) after his death is not permissible. However, seeking protection through him during his lifetime in a matter he is capable of handling is permissible. Allah the Exalted said: Therefore, seeking protection through the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) after his death is forbidden; indeed, it may constitute shirk (associating partners with Allah). If you hear someone say something like that, you must advise him, because he may have heard it from some people without knowing its meaning. When you inform him and clarify that this is not permissible, perhaps Allah will benefit him through you.