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?
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 shirk (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.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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