What are the types of seeking nearness to Allah through a means, and is it permissible to seek nearness to Allah through the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)?
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The questioner : What are the types of seeking nearness to Allah through a means? And is it permissible to seek nearness to Allah through the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)?
The Shaykh : Seeking nearness to Allah through a means is of two types: a type that is permissible and a type that is forbidden; rather, a type that is prescribed and a type that is forbidden.
Among the prescribed types of seeking nearness to Allah through a means is for a person to seek nearness to Allah through the names and attributes of Allah, saying: "O Forgiver, O Merciful, forgive me and have mercy on me," or saying: "O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me, for You are the Forgiver, the Merciful," or the like of that.
The forbidden type of seeking nearness to Allah through a means is to seek nearness to Allah through the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), meaning through his status or his person. This is forbidden and a religious innovation. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) did not do this. Furthermore, it is seeking nearness to Allah through a means that does not benefit you, because the status of the Prophet (may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him) or the person of the Prophet does not extend to others.
What is the rest of the question?
The questioner : He says: "And is it permissible to seek nearness to Allah through the Messenger?"
The Shaykh : We have just stated that it is not permissible. However, if one seeks nearness to Allah through faith in the Messenger or through love for the Messenger, that is permissible.
The questioner : May Allah bless you.
The Shaykh : Seeking nearness to Allah through a means is of two types: a type that is permissible and a type that is forbidden; rather, a type that is prescribed and a type that is forbidden.
Among the prescribed types of seeking nearness to Allah through a means is for a person to seek nearness to Allah through the names and attributes of Allah, saying: "O Forgiver, O Merciful, forgive me and have mercy on me," or saying: "O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me, for You are the Forgiver, the Merciful," or the like of that.
The forbidden type of seeking nearness to Allah through a means is to seek nearness to Allah through the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), meaning through his status or his person. This is forbidden and a religious innovation. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) did not do this. Furthermore, it is seeking nearness to Allah through a means that does not benefit you, because the status of the Prophet (may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him) or the person of the Prophet does not extend to others.
What is the rest of the question?
The questioner : He says: "And is it permissible to seek nearness to Allah through the Messenger?"
The Shaykh : We have just stated that it is not permissible. However, if one seeks nearness to Allah through faith in the Messenger or through love for the Messenger, that is permissible.
The questioner : May Allah bless you.