You mentioned that it is not permissible to seek nearness to Allah through the person of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and this has raised a question regarding the permissibility of seeking blessing from the effects of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, you mentioned in today's lesson that it is not permissible to seek nearness to Allah through the person of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), neither during his lifetime nor after his death. This has been confusing for me, given the permissibility of seeking blessing from the effects of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Answer:
This is not tawassul (seeking nearness to Allah through a means); seeking blessing is not tawassul. This is a request for blessing from what has separated from his body, because he is blessed (peace and blessings be upon him), and what separates from his body carries that blessing. This is different from tawassul, which is interposing the Messenger in your need before Allah the Exalted. Yes. So there is a difference between seeking blessing from what has separated from his body (peace and blessings be upon him), and seeking nearness to Allah through his supplication. Yes.