It is generally seen in countries of Indian sub-continent that Muslims visit shrines (the graves of those whom people ‘believe’ were pious) and ASK the souls of the ‘pious’ for health, children, wealth, and things that only Allah can provide. These people claim that they’re really not asking the dead for these things, but using them as intercessors with Allah. Their belief is that because the pious did good in this world when they were alive, they are now in a position to act as intercessors with Allah for those who invoke them.
However, in Islam, the practice of visiting graves has a clear and defined purpose, as taught by Prophet Muhimmad (peace be upon him), but asking or praying to the dead, "even to pious individuals like the awliya (saints or friends of Allah)" is not permitted.
Hereinunder we share a neutral viewpoint based on the Qur'an, Hadith, and Islamic teachings.
Islamic Monotheism (Tawhid)
One of the fundamental beliefs in Islam is Tawhid, the oneness of Allah. This means that all worship, prayers, and supplications should be directed to Allah alone. No one, no matter how righteous or pious they were in their lifetime, has the power to intercede or fulfill our requests without Allah’s will.
Hereinunder are verses from Qur'an emphasizing the act of Tawhid and oneness of Allah:
- "It is You we worship and You we ask for help." Surah Al-Fatiha (1:5) This verse establishes the foundation that all forms of seeking help and worship must be directed to Allah alone.
- "And do not invoke, besides Allah, that which neither benefits you nor harms you, for if you did, then indeed you would be of the wrongdoers." Surah Yunus (10:106). This verse clearly forbids asking anyone other than Allah for help or intercession.
Prohibition of Associating Partners (Shirk)
The act of asking or calling upon the dead, even if they are considered awliya (friends of Allah), can lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah), which is considered one of the gravest sins in Islam.
Let us see what how Qur'an guides us from preventing shirk:
- "And the mosques are for Allah, so do not invoke anyone along with Allah." Surah Al-Jinn (72:18). This verse emphasizes that supplication and invocation should only be directed to Allah and no one else.
- "Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], 'We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah.' Indeed, Allah will judge between them concerning that over which they differ. Indeed, Allah does not guide he who is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever." Surah Az-Zumar (39:3). This verse refutes the idea of intermediaries between a believer and Allah, even if those intermediaries are perceived as pious.
Purpose of Visiting Graves
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged visiting graves for the purpose of remembering death and the Hereafter, not for seeking help or making supplications to the dead.
- Hadith on Visiting Graves: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "I had forbidden you to visit the graves, but now visit them, for they remind one of death." (Sahih Muslim)
This hadith clarifies that the purpose of visiting graves is to remind oneself of the temporary nature of this world and the inevitability of death. There is no mention of asking the dead for help or intercession.
Intercession and Prayers for the Dead
In Islam, we are encouraged to pray for the dead, asking Allah to forgive them and grant them mercy. However, praying to the dead or asking them for intercession is not allowed.
- Hadith on Asking for Intercession: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for him." (Sahih Muslim)
This hadith indicates that the deceased cannot help themselves or others once they have passed away, except through the deeds they left behind. Therefore, asking them for help is not in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Misunderstandings About Awliya and Their Role
While Islam holds the awliya (pious individuals) in high regard for their closeness to Allah, it is crucial to understand their role. They are respected for their righteousness, but they are still human beings, and like all other humans, they are subject to death and the limitations of created beings. They cannot hear, respond, or intercede on behalf of anyone unless Allah permits.
Here is what Qur'an says about status of Awliya:
- "Indeed, you will not make the dead hear, nor will you make the deaf hear the call when they turn their backs, retreating." Surah An-Naml (27:80): This verse clarifies that the dead cannot hear the supplications of the living.
- "Or have they taken other than Allah as intercessors? Say, 'Even though they do not possess [power over] anything, nor do they reason?' Say, 'To Allah belongs [the right to allow] intercession entirely. To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. Then to Him you will be returned.'" Surah Az-Zumar (39:43-44). That is Allah alone has the right to grant intercession, and no one else has the power to act on behalf of anyone without His permission.
Conclusion: Is it Right to Ask the Dead for Help?
No, it is not right to ask the dead, including awliya, for help or intercession. This practice contradicts the core principles of Tawhid (monotheism) in Islam, which mandates that all prayers, supplications, and invocations must be directed to Allah alone. While it is permissible and encouraged to visit graves for the sake of remembering death and praying for the deceased, asking the dead for assistance can lead to shirk, which is strictly forbidden in Islam.
The proper way to honor the pious awliya is by remembering their good deeds, learning from their examples, and praying for them, not to them.
Let us watch a video by Dr. Omar Suleiman as what to say when we visit a graveyard. It is not about them to intercede for us but to send salutations to all those buried in the graveyard and praying for their forgiveness and that of our on for no one knows when is it our turn to be buried here. Let us also teach these supplications to our children so that when they visit our graves, they know what to say for our Magfirah / forgiveness:
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
To know more about Islam and Qur'ān, please visit our exclusive reference page: Understanding Al Qur'an.
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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