What is the ruling on one who circumambulates the graves of the dead and rubs himself against them?

Question:
The questioner will ask: What is the ruling on one who circumambulates the graves of the dead and rubs himself against them? Do we immediately declare him a disbeliever, or is it necessary to establish the proof against him?

Answer:
One who circumambulates the graves, or calls upon them instead of Allah, or draws near to them, or calls upon them instead of Allah, or seeks aid from their inhabitants, this is major shirk (associating partners with Allah). If this is in the lands of the Muslims, this is major shirk. It is obligatory to teach him, alert him, and warn him, because circumambulating the graves is usually done by one who hopes for their reward, or hopes for their benefit, or calls upon them, or seeks aid from them, or makes a vow to them. This is major shirk. However, if he circumambulates thinking that it is prescribed, circumambulating for Allah, thinking that it is prescribed, this becomes a bid'ah (religious innovation). But the common practice of those who circumambulate is that they think this brings them near to the people of the graves, and that this benefits them and they obtain benefit from the people of the graves. This is of the same kind as their calling upon them, seeking aid from them, and slaughtering for them. It is major shirk and major kufr (disbelief). We ask Allah for safety. Yes.