Does asking someone for a handkerchief or a glass of water fall under the reprehensibility of asking other than Allah, as mentioned in the words of Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, and does this contradict the Messenger’s — may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him — asking his Companions or wives to hand him something?

If a person can get a cup of water for himself without difficulty, it is better not to ask others, for fear of falling into what is disliked (makruh), because the basic principle is that a servant should not ask people for anything. Ibn Taymiyyah advised his companions not to ask people for anything, citing Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, who would not ask anyone to hand him his whip if it fell, and the Prophet's (peace be upon him) pledge from some of his companions that they would not ask people for anything.

The texts indicate the command to ask the Creator and the prohibition of asking the created, such as Allah's saying: "So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord alone direct your hopes." [Ash-Sharh: 7-8], and the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying to Ibn Abbas: "If you ask, then ask Allah, and if you seek help, then seek help from Allah," and Abraham's (peace be upon him) saying: "So seek provision from Allah." [Al-Ankabut: 17].

As for the Prophet's (peace be upon him) asking his wives for certain things, or a man asking his child or servant, this is not blameworthy asking, because it is asking someone over whom one has a right, like hiring a person for a certain work.