The Meaning of al-Wasilah Among the Polytheists and the Monotheists

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, what is the meaning of al-Wasilah among the polytheists, and what is its meaning among the monotheists, and what is intended by the phrase "Give Muhammad the wasilah and the fadilah"?

Answer:
I have explained this more than once. We said that al-Wasilah among the monotheists is righteous deeds. It is called a wasilah because it brings one closer to Allah. You do not attain the pleasure of Allah or His reward except through righteous deeds, and therefore it is called a wasilah. As for al-Wasilah among the polytheists, it is making an intermediary between you and Allah, such as an idol, a stone, a tree, or a dead person, to intercede for you with Allah or to bring you closer to Him. You offer worship to it, you slaughter for the dead, you make vows for the dead, and you call out by his name so that he may intercede for you with Allah. This is the wasilah among the polytheists.
As for the wasilah mentioned in the hadith, it is a position in Paradise, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) explained. I ask Allah for the wasilah. It is a station in Paradise. Yes.