The ruling on saying "by the right of the Prophet's status"

Question:
Some people, may Allah reward you, when they love you, say: "By the right of the Prophet's status (peace and blessings be upon him), you must be lenient with me." What is the ruling on this phrase?

Answer:
This is one of the means of shirk (associating partners with Allah). "The status of the Prophet," "the right of the Prophet's status," and "by the Prophet"—these are among the means of shirk. One must be cautious of them.