Asking from the inmates of the grave to fulfill one’s needs

It is not permissible for one to make Dua before any creation, as Dua is an Ibaadat which is exclusively for Allah Ta’ala. In fact, it is Haraam to ask of the creation.

It is recorded in Majalis-e-Abraar that, to complain to the inmates of the grave and ask them for assistance, sustenance, health, children, payment of debt and other needs, is similar to idol worshipers asking of their idols for their needs. All Ulama agree that none of these things are permitted. In short, to leave Allah Ta’ala and ask for children, cure for our illnesses, sustenance, etc. from the inmates of the grave is an act of Shirk.

Allama Muhammad Taahir Rahimahullah states,

Verily amongst the people are those that visit the Ambiya and righteous with the intention of performing Salaah at their graves and asking of their needs. None of the Ulama (of the Muslims) have sanctioned it, as engaging in acts of worship, asking of one’s needs and seeking assistance is for Allah alone.

We are made to confess daily again and again,

It is only You that we worship and it is only You that we seek assistance from.

Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam advised Hadrat Abdullah Bin Abbas Radiallahu Anhu in the following words,

When you ask, then ask of Allah, and when you seek assistance then seek assistance from Allah

Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilaani Rahimahullah advised his son Abdul Wahhab at the time of death, “Hand over all your needs to Allah Ta’ala and seek assistance from him.” His advice is recorded in the following words,

It is obligatory upon you to fear Allah and obey Him, and do not fear anyone besides Allah Ta’ala, nor have hope in anyone besides Allah Ta’ala. Hand all your matters over to Allah Ta’ala. Ask Him for your needs. Do not place your reliance on anyone besides Allah Ta’ala. Your trust and hope should only be on him, He is free of all faults. Tawheed (meaning – you only regard Him to be one, regard His Being to be Most Powerful, Put your trust on Him alone and have hope only in Him.)

Any person that asks directly from the inmates of the grave (whether Awliya or Ambiya) should renew his Imaan as understood from the above discussion as the Ambiya and Awliya do not have the ability of fulfilling the needs of people. However, if one asks directly from Allah through their intermediary then this is quite in order. If by asking Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, you mean that you asked Allah Ta’ala through Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam’s Waseela (intermediary), then it will be correct. However, if you directly asked from Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and not Allah Ta’ala, then renewing of your Imaan will be required.