Types of Seeking Nearness to Allah Through the Messenger

Question:
May Allah reward you. Honorable Shaykh, this is a Sudanese resident in Jeddah who says: I hope you will answer my question, which is: Is our seeking nearness to Allah through the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) during his lifetime permissible? And what are the types of seeking nearness to Allah? I ask you to explain this to us, may Allah reward you.

Answer:
Seeking nearness to Allah through the Messenger or through anyone else, seeking nearness to Allah through their person, is not permissible; it is an innovator, it is not permissible. Rather, seeking nearness to Allah is through his supplication (peace and blessings be upon him): if he was alive, one asks him for supplication, one asks him for supplication during his lifetime. And after his death, seeking nearness to Allah is through following him and emulating him (peace and blessings be upon him). This is the means to Allah the Exalted: following the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and emulating him in words, actions, and acts of worship. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you, O Shaykh.