The Ruling on Seeking Nearness to Allah Through the Right of the Prophet, the Qur'an, and the Parents

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, the scholars mention that among the prescribed means of seeking nearness to Allah (tawassul) is seeking nearness through righteous deeds. Does this include what some people say, such as "I ask Allah by the right of His Prophet," or "by the right of the Qur'an," or "by the right of the parents"? By this, they mean the love of the Prophet, the exaltation of the Qur'an, dutifulness to parents, and kindness to them, all of which are righteous deeds.

Answer:
Seeking nearness to Allah through a created being is not permissible. Seeking nearness through the being itself, or through its status, or through its right, all of this is not permissible; it is a religious innovation (bid'ah). As for seeking nearness through the attributes of Allah the Exalted and His names, including the Qur'an, there is nothing wrong with that. Allah the Exalted said: So one seeks nearness to Allah through His names and attributes, including His speech, which is the Qur'an. Yes, and Allah the Exalted knows best. May Allah send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and his Companions.