What is the ruling on those who call out to 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) during the tawaf, sanctify him, and say that he can cause harm and benefit?

Question:
What is the ruling on those who call out to 'Ali during the tawaf, sanctify him, and say that he can cause harm and benefit, and are they excused due to their ignorance?

Answer:
Whoever calls upon other than Allah, whether it be 'Ali, the Messenger, or anyone else who calls upon other than Allah, is a mushrik (one who associates partners with Allah), whether in the tawaf or otherwise; he is a mushrik. Supplication is the greatest type of worship. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Supplication is the greatest type of worship. So if one calls upon other than Allah, among the dead, whether it be the Messenger, the caliphs, the Companions, or the righteous, this is major shirk (associating partners with Allah), and it is the sin that is not forgiven except by repentance to Allah (Mighty and Majestic).