Is it permissible to seek benefit in this world by seeking refuge in other than Allah?

Question:
Does the fact that a thing yields worldly benefit, such as warding off harm or bringing about good, indicate that it is not shirk (associating partners with Allah)?

Answer:
This is an important point: the fact that a thing achieves the desired outcome does not indicate that it is prescribed (mashru') or that it is permissible. This is because some benefits may be granted to polytheists as a means of luring them on by Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He. Similarly, some of the needs of those who worship shrines and graves may be met, but this does not indicate the permissibility of what they did; rather, it is a luring on by Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, or it may have coincided with divine decree and destiny. If polytheists say, "We seek refuge in the master of this valley from the evil of the foolish people of his tribe," they may achieve what they want, and the foolish people of his tribe may be kept away from them. This does not indicate permissibility, because this is worship of other than Allah, Mighty and Majestic. Worship of other than Allah is shirk, and shirk is not permissible under any circumstances. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Yes.