What is the ruling on a person saying, "If it were not for me"?
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The Shaykh : The phrase "If it were not for me" is often used, as 'Umar said to Hafsa: "If it were not for me, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) would have divorced you". What is the ruling? The ruling is that this was not said by 'Umar; rather, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said it when he was informed of the punishment of his uncle Abu Talib. He said: "If it were not for me, he would be in the lowest depth of the Fire". It is permissible to say "If it were not for me," "If it were not for so-and-so," or similar phrases, provided that there is a real effect. However, if there is no real effect, it is not permissible. If one says "If it were not for the wali in his grave," this is forbidden; it is shirk (associating partners with Allah). This is forbidden shirk. But if it is a real, existing matter, there is no harm. Yes.
The reader: We have read it, O Shaykh.
The Shaykh : Yes
The reader: We have read the long hadith.
The Shaykh : The long hadith, yes. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. We have taken its benefits. How many benefits did we take? Here, how many benefits did we take? We have reached six, yes.
The reader: We have read it, O Shaykh.
The Shaykh : Yes
The reader: We have read the long hadith.
The Shaykh : The long hadith, yes. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. We have taken its benefits. How many benefits did we take? Here, how many benefits did we take? We have reached six, yes.