What is the ruling on the aforementioned supplication that includes addressing the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and seeking intercession through him to relieve the distress of the people of Shaam, given that the questioner knows that intercession is permissible only through Allah?

Supplicating with the phrase, "O Muhammad, O helper of the Ummah, O dispeller of grief, help us," is reprehensible because it involves seeking supplication from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, after his death, which is a means to shirk (polytheism). No Muslim imam has ever deemed it permissible. Victory is in the hand of Allah alone, as He Almighty says: "And victory is not but from Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise," and "If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you." Allah loves for His servants to ask Him directly without intermediaries.