What is the ruling on the shirk (associating partners with Allah) phrases that have become customary on the tongue?

Question:
The questioner says: I am a young man who came from Kashmir to perform 'Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage). In our country, people repeat certain words on their tongues, such as "Al-Musta'an (the One sought for help), O Messenger of Allah" and "Al-Mustaghath (the One sought for aid), O Messenger of Allah, help us, O Shaykh, O my master." What is the ruling on these words?

Answer:
These words are shirk akbar (major shirk) because they are du'a' (supplication) to other than Allah (Mighty and Majestic). Supplication to other than Allah, and calling upon other than Allah, is shirk akbar. Seeking aid from other than Allah in matters that only Allah can do is shirk akbar. Seeking aid from the dead is shirk akbar. Therefore, one should not seek aid from anyone but Allah, and one should not supplicate to anyone but Allah. One does not supplicate to the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) or to anyone else, but only to Allah . Supplication is worship, and directing worship to other than Allah is shirk. Yes.