What is the religious ruling regarding a sheikh who has memorized the Qur’an and leads people in prayer, yet visits the tombs of saints like Sayyida Zaynab and Sayyid al-Badawi? And is his act considered shirk (polytheism) if he seeks help from them? And what is the ruling on the Sunni community vehemently objecting to him, even to the point of discord?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If it is confirmed that an Imam seeks help from the dead and believes that they can benefit or harm, then he has committed major (polytheism) which expels one from the fold of Islam. Prayer behind him is not permissible, and he must be removed and another Imam appointed who fulfills the conditions of Imamate.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 61692
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy