What is the ruling on praying behind an Imam who says that Egypt was preserved from tribulations by the righteous Companions buried therein, and what is the ruling on his statement?

Egypt, like other countries, has not been spared from tribulations. The mere presence of righteous people in a country does not prevent tribulations, just as the city of the Messenger, peace be upon him, witnessed events and tribulations despite the burial of the best of creation there. This statement does not prevent praying behind the one who says it, unless he believes that the blessings of these individuals independently ward off harm and bring benefit. He must be wary of it because it is dangerous and can lead to polytheism (shirk). If the speaker intends that the blessing of a certain person or his gaze is independent in obtaining benefits and warding off harms, then this is a lie and polytheism. However, if he intends that he benefited from his supplication, teaching, or upbringing, then this is correct. And if he intends that after his death he brings benefits or wards off harms, then this is a forbidden lie and polytheism.