The ruling on seeking assistance from created beings.

If someone were to ask: Is seeking assistance from created beings permissible in all circumstances? We say: No. Seeking assistance from a created being is only permissible where the one being asked is capable of it. As for when he is not capable, it is not permissible to seek his assistance. If, for example, a person sought assistance from a grave, this is forbidden, indeed it is shirk (associating partners with Allah), because the occupant of the grave cannot benefit himself, so how could he benefit you? If one sought assistance from an absent person in a matter he is not capable of, such as believing that a wali (close friend of Allah) in the East of the world would help him with his task in his own land, this is also shirk, major shirk, because he is not able to help you while he is there. If someone were to ask: Is seeking assistance from a created being permissible? We say: It is better not to do so; it is better not to do so. A person is commanded to help his brother, but it is not befitting for the other to seek assistance, because seeking assistance from others falls under the category of the blameworthy asking. However, if you see that your brother needs help, you are commanded to help him. But if you seek his help, it is not forbidden; it is not forbidden for you. It is merely leaving what is better, unless you know that your seeking his help is something that pleases him and opens his chest. In that case, if you seek his help, you are doing him a favor, and this is not considered part of the blameworthy asking. This is what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did when he entered his house and found the pot on the fire with meat in it. When the food was served to him, he said: . Do you think that Barira would find this matter difficult in this situation? Never. Rather, she would be pleased with it and rejoice. So, for example, if you seek your brother's help with a need and you know that he is pleased by it and rejoices, then your seeking his help is a favor to him. But if you seek the help of a person who feels that your seeking his help is heavier on him than Mount Uhud, would you seek his help? No, because it puts him in an awkward position and it is also a humiliation for you.