What is the ruling on seeking intercession through the Prophet (peace be upon him) after his death, and what is the ruling on seeking help (istighatha) from prophets and righteous people after their death? Is one who issues a fatwa permitting seeking help (istighatha) considered a disbeliever? And is it permissible to supplicate for Egypt and the Egyptians during prayer?

Intercession through the Prophet's (peace be upon him) rank and that of the righteous is an innovation (bid'ah) and not polytheism (shirk). However, seeking aid (istighathah) from the Prophet (peace be upon him) after his death or from the righteous is polytheism. Swearing by other than Allah the Almighty is forbidden. It is not permissible to declare as disbeliever (kafir) one who issues a fatwa permitting seeking aid from other than Allah the Almighty in matters that only Allah can accomplish, because he may have a specious argument (shubhah) that prevents declaring him a disbeliever. For not everyone who falls into disbelief becomes a disbeliever. Moreover, the issue of excommunication (takfir) is serious, and one must differentiate between innovation and sin, and between disbelief, and differentiate between judging an action and judging the doer, while emphasizing that zeal for religion must be accompanied by knowledge.