The Prohibited Categories of Seeking Nearness to Allah

As for the prohibited seeking nearness to Allah, such as seeking nearness to Allah by means of something that is not a means, like the seeking nearness of the polytheists by their idols, where they say: This is not beneficial. And among that is seeking nearness to Allah by the status of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). This is not permissible because it is seeking nearness by something that is not a means. What do you gain from the status of the Messenger with Allah? Nothing, because the status of the Messenger with Allah only benefits the Messenger; I have no connection to it. Therefore, seeking nearness by the status of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is prohibited and forbidden. First, because it has not been transmitted, and second, because it is not a means, since a means is the doing of what leads to the intended goal. What connection is there between the status of the Messenger with Allah and your request? So the prohibited seeking nearness is of two types: the first is the polytheistic seeking nearness, where the polytheists seek nearness to Allah by their gods to bring them closer to Allah. There is no doubt that this is an incorrect means and that it is invalid. However, when we call it a means, we mean it for those who do not worship idols; as for the one who worships idols, he is a polytheist and has not sought nearness to Allah the Exalted by anything. The second is seeking nearness to Allah the Exalted by the status of the Messenger. If someone asks, "Is it permissible for me to seek nearness by my love for the Messenger? I say, 'O Allah, by my love for Your Messenger, is it permissible?'" What benefit do you have in your love for the Messenger? Because the love of the Messenger is undoubtedly a righteous deed. In fact, among the best of deeds is the love of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Indeed, a person does not have faith until the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) is more beloved to him than himself, his child, his father, and all of mankind.