What is the permitted request for help and what is the forbidden one?
ما هي الاستعانة المشروعة وما هي الممنوعة؟
There are several types of seeking help. Understanding the distinction between what is lawful and what is forbidden is essential to preserving the purity of faith.
الاستعانة هي طلب العون وهي أنواع. إن التمييز بين الاستعانة المشروعة والممنوعة هو أمر أساسي للحفاظ على نقاء العقيدة.
Types of Seeking Help | أنواع الاستعانة
1. Asking Allah
Asking Allah for help and entrusting matters to Him: (You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help) [Al-Fatiha 1: 4]
1. الاستعانة بالله
الاستعانة بالله وتفويض الأمر له لقوله تعالى: (إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ) [الفاتحة 1: 4]
2. Asking People in their Capacity
Using someone’s help in something that he can do: (Cooperate with one another in goodness and righteousness) [Al-Ma'idah 5: 2]
2. الاستعانة بالمخلوق
الاستعانة بالمخلوق على أمر يقدر عليه لقوله تعالى: (وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ) [المائدة 5: 2]
3. Using Righteous Deeds
Using deeds and moral things that are endeared to Allah as helping tools, and this is lawful for He the Almighty says: (use patience and prayer) [Al-Baqara 2: 153]
3. الاستعانة بالأعمال الصالحة
الاستعانة بالأعمال والأحوال المحببة إلي الله تعالي وهذه مشروعة لقوله تعالى: (اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ) [البقرة 2: 153]
4. The Forbidden Request (Shirk)
However, seeking help from the dead, as some people do, is Shirk (joining partners with Allah in worship), because they cannot do anything.
4. الاستعانة بالاموات (الشرك)
الاستعانة بالأموات، فهذا شرك لأنهم لا يستطيعون فعل شيء.
Frequently Asked Questions | الأسئلة الشائعة
What forms of seeking help are considered lawful?
Lawful forms of seeking help include asking Allah and entrusting matters to Him: asking a person for help in something they are capable of doing: and using moral deeds that Allah loves: such as patience and prayer.
Why is seeking help from the dead considered forbidden?
Seeking help from the dead is strictly forbidden and constitutes Shirk (joining partners with Allah in worship) because the dead cannot do anything to assist the living.