Is the belief held by some that visiting the graves of saints or staying near them brings blessings or grants protection considered major or minor Shirk (idolatry), and what is the ruling on those who carry small copies of the Quran and circumambulate graves for this purpose?

Visiting the graves of saints and righteous people for the purpose of seeking blessings (tabarruk) or asking for benefit, protection, and safeguarding is an reprehensible innovation (bid'ah munkarah). It may even escalate to major shirk (polytheism) if the visitor believes that the graves or their occupants can benefit them intrinsically, or that Allah bestows blessings there due to the righteousness of their occupants. As for circumambulating graves or shading them, it is an innovation and a means to shirk. Likewise, hanging copies of the Qur'an or placing them in a car with the intention of seeking blessings or protection from the evil eye or harm is an unlawful innovation. However, placing the Qur'an for the purpose of reading from it is good.