What is the authenticity and meaning of the Hadith about the blind man who asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to pray for his healing, and the Prophet commanded him to perform ablution and pray, saying: "O Allah, I ask You and turn to You through our Prophet Muhammad, the Prophet of Mercy. O Muhammad, I turn through you to my Lord, that He may fulfill my need"?

Scholars have differed on the authenticity of the hadith concerning the blind man. Some consider it weak, while others consider it good (hasan). Its meaning is that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, instructed the blind man to perform ablution and pray two rak'ahs so that he would be sincere in seeking the Prophet's intercession for him and his supplication for him, because supplication is a type of intercession. Thus, if the intention is sincere, the resolve strengthens, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, intercedes for him through supplication.

As for after the Prophet's death, peace and blessings be upon him, his supplication cannot be sought for anyone because his actions cease with death. The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, refused to ask the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, for supplication after his death. Instead, they asked his uncle Al-Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, for it during a drought, as supplication is an act of worship that does not cease with death.

Therefore, whoever supplicates to the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, or other deceased individuals after their death to ward off harm or gain benefit has committed major shirk (polytheism) that expels one from the fold of Islam. Such a person must repent to Allah and direct supplication to Him alone. Allah Almighty has commanded supplication and encouraged it, and He answers the plea of the distressed and removes evil.

The hadith does not indicate the permissibility of seeking intercession through the Prophet's status, peace and blessings be upon him; rather, it indicates seeking intercession through his supplication, peace and blessings be upon him. The blind man came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to ask him to supplicate. Had his intention been to seek intercession through his status, he would not have come to him. The phrase "and accept my intercession for him" means accepting the blind man's supplication by accepting the Prophet's supplication for him.