The Ruling on Seeking Nearness to Allah Through the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)

Question:
Ahmad from Egypt says: Which is permissible, seeking nearness to Allah through the status of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), or seeking nearness to Allah through His own self (peace and blessings be upon him)?

Answer:
Neither is permissible. Neither seeking nearness through the self nor seeking nearness through the status is permissible. Rather, seeking nearness is through obeying the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and following him, because this is the work of a person. It is permissible for a person to seek nearness to Allah through his righteous deeds. As for seeking nearness through people or asking for intercession from other than Allah, neither is permissible, because intercession belongs to Allah alone. So one asks Allah for intercession, saying: “O Allah, grant intercession to Your Prophet and Your righteous servants.” This is what is prescribed. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you