What is the ruling on the phrase “Ya wajh Allah” (O Face of Allah)?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner says: What is your view on this phrase, “Ya wajh Allah” (O Face of Allah)?

Answer:
No, this is not permissible. An attribute is not addressed and not called upon, because this implies that the attribute is an independent entity that is addressed and called upon. This would be shirk (associating partners with Allah) with Allah the Exalted. One calls upon Allah the Exalted and seeks nearness to Him through His names and attributes, saying, “O Most Merciful of the merciful, have mercy on me.” “I seek refuge in Your noble Face,” “I seek refuge in the noble Face of Allah and His ancient dominion.” This is seeking nearness to Him through His names and attributes. As for calling upon the Face or calling upon the attribute, “O Mercy of Allah” or “O Face of Allah,” no, this is not permissible.