What is the jurisprudential ruling on one who believes that Allah has authorized some awliya (saints) – such as Al-Sayyid Al-Badawi – to manage the universe, even after their death, and cites the words of Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmoo‘ Al-Fatawa regarding unveilings (mukashafat), extraordinary acts, and the karamat (miraculous graces) of awliya? And does the cited statement of Ibn Taymiyyah contradict his other fatwas declaring as kufr (disbelief) whoever seeks aid from the dead or the absent? And how should this belief and its substantiation be refuted?

The belief that other than Allah disposes of the universe is polytheism (shirk) in Lordship (Rububiyyah), and it is more heinous than what the polytheists of pre-Islamic ignorance (Jahiliyyah) believed, for they affirmed Allah's sole management of affairs. The entire Quran emphasizes that sovereignty and disposal belong to Allah alone. The claim that Allah makes some of His creation dispose of the universe is false and contradictory, as all creation is dependent on Allah, who is free of need from them.

What has been attributed to Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah regarding this fabrication against him is unfounded, for he was a defender of Tawheed (monotheism). The first text mentioned from him in his رسالة to the group of Adi ibn Musafir discusses the affirmation of the karamat (miraculous endowments) of saints, which is the belief of the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, and it does not mean that they dispose of the universe. As for the second text, it distinguishes between the allies of the Most Merciful and those of Satan, clarifying that extraordinary occurrences are not proof of sainthood, and that the true karamat of saints are steadfastness upon the truth and adherence to the Sunnah and the religion, not their disposal of the universe.

Sheikh al-Islam affirmed that Allah alone is worthy of worship and seeking help, and that He is the Owner and Disposer of everything. No benefit or harm, no movement or stillness occurs in the universe except by His action, glory be to Him. Realizing true reliance, surrender, and submission comes after knowing the science of Lordship.