The Ruling on Seeking Nearness to Allah Through the Status of the Prophet and the Righteous

Question:
And among the most important matters is what has been detailed regarding the statement of the one who addresses the two matters and the others.

Answer:
It is not permissible to seek nearness to Allah through the status of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), nor through the status of the awliya (close friends of Allah) and the righteous. Seeking nearness through status is a bid'ah (religious innovation) and a means of shirk (associating partners with Allah). Therefore, it is not permissible to seek nearness through status, neither through the status of the Prophet nor through the status of any other creation, because it is a means of shirk. Yes. As for the hadith, "Seek nearness to Allah through my status," this hadith is fabricated against the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him); it has no basis. Yes.