I have been discussing the subject of using "Waseela" while supplicating to Allah (SWT) with some Muslims, and have come to know that there are quite different opinions about fact whether the use of "Waseela" in Du'a is Halal or Haram. Could you please provide me with some information about this subject, some Ayah from the Holy Qur'an or authentic Ahadith? With the term "use of Waseela" I mean asking via the agency of someone, i.e. "I ask You (O Allah) to grant me forgiveness via the agency of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him and his household)" or via the agency of other Prophets (Peace be upon them), saints or other pious Muslims.

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

If by Waseela (intercession) you mean putting intermediaries between you and Allah while asking Him like saying: “O Allah! Forgive me by the high status of the Prophet or of some Wali”; then this is forbidden. It is an evil innovation in the Sharee’ah. This was neither reported from the Prophet Muhammad nor from any of his Companions, may Allah be pleased with them. However, some contemporary scholars said that it was correct to do so. But their claim was refuted by the most eminent scholars who considered such Waseela forbidden. Asking Allah through Waseela using the honor or prestige of Prophets or Messengers is not considered from the deeds of the person. Allah Says (what means): {And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives.} [Quran 53:39]

Indeed, the Companions of the Prophet did not use Waseela in their Du'aa’ (supplication). It is known that Du'aa’ is a form of worship and the forms of worship are limited to that which is clearly stated either by the Prophet or in the Quran, or in the Sunnah. The lawful Tawassul is that which is done using the Names and Attributes of Allah, or stating the good deeds one did for the Sake of Allah, or asking the pious living people for Du'aa’. To conclude, it is an innovation to say: “O Allah! Forgive me through Messengers, Prophets or pious people.” So one should avoid such innovation.

For more benefit on Tawassul by virtue of the Prophet, and permissible and prohibited Tawassul, please refer to Fatwa ">11669, 16690, 17593, ">81681, 142097, 264595, 284374, 419992 and 89076.

Allah knows best.