The ruling on exaggeration regarding the righteous and what of it constitutes shirk (associating partners with Allah)?

Question:
Does exaggeration regarding the righteous lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah)?

Answer:
Exaggeration is of two types: exaggeration in them that calls upon them alongside Allah, exalts them through shirk (associating partners with Allah), seeks aid from them, and makes vows to them; this is major shirk.
And the exaggeration in them that is not major shirk is when one rubs oneself against them, believing that rubbing against them is a means of drawing near to Allah, and stands up for them when they enter or stands on their heads, thinking that this is a means of drawing near; this is among the means to shirk.
Q: Kissing the shoes of the righteous and rubbing them?
A: This may fall into major shirk. However, if one sees that this is a means of drawing near to Allah, and that kissing them, standing up for them, and the like, this requires detail. Kissing them in the ordinary way and shaking their hands; there is nothing wrong with this. But as for seeking blessing by rubbing their hands or rubbing their shawls or the like, this is among the means to shirk, as it may occur with some of the Sufis and others; because this is not done except with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It is he from whom one seeks blessing through his sweat, his hand, and his hair. This is specific to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and no one else is to be compared to him in this regard.