The Ruling on Seeking Help from Saints – Al-Azhar Explains
Al-Azhar professor clarifies that asking saints for help is not disbelief unless accompanied by intentional denial of faith, emphasizing that only Islamic courts can issue rulings of apostasy.
Dr. Hani Tammam, Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University, explained that seeking spiritual aid or blessings from righteous saints is not considered disbelief, as long as one believes that only God has the ultimate power to fulfill needs. He noted that most people who do so are driven by love or cultural tradition, not by denial of faith.
He referred to the principle stated by Imam Al-Tahawi in Al-Aqeedah Al-Tahawiyyah: a Muslim does not leave Islam unless they deny what made them Muslim in the first place — meaning that disbelief only occurs through conscious rejection of core beliefs, which does not apply to acts done out of devotion or reverence.
Dr. Tammam emphasized that disbelief originates in the heart, not in speech or action, citing the example of Ammar ibn Yasir (may Allah be pleased with him), who was forced to utter words of disbelief, yet was exonerated by the Qur’an in the verse: “Except for one who is forced [to renounce his religion] while his heart is secure in faith.”
He warned that declaring others disbelievers is a judicial matter, not a personal judgment, stressing that only qualified scholars and courts may rule on such cases.
Dr. Tammam concluded by urging Muslims to promote moderation and compassion in faith, affirming that those who ask saints for help out of love are not committing disbelief so long as their belief remains that all power belongs to God alone.
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