What is the ruling on seeking nearness to Allah (tawassul) by asking Him to accept a supplication through the status of our master Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, what is the ruling on a man who seeks nearness to Allah (tawassul) by asking Him to accept his supplication through the status of our master Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) with Allah the Exalted?

Answer:
This is a religious innovation (bid'ah). This is not associating partners with Allah (shirk); rather, it is a bid'ah. Asking by status, or by the person, or by the right—the right of your Prophet, or by your Prophet, or by the status of your Prophet—this is a bid'ah and not shirk. Shirk is calling upon other than Allah. As for this, he calls upon Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He), but he seeks nearness to Him through the Prophet, or through the status of the Prophet, or through his right. This is considered among the bid'ah. Yes.