Is it permissible to listen to and read the poem of Imam Zayn al-Abidin which includes "O Messenger of Allah", knowing that saying it with the intention of seeking help from him is major shirk?

These verses are circulated by Sufi groups, and their attribution to Zain al-Abidin Ali ibn al-Husayn ibn Ali is incorrect for several reasons:

Firstly: The author of these verses was far from Medina, while Zain al-Abidin was one of its people. So why would he send greetings to it?

Secondly: The style and words of these verses do not fit the poetry of Ali ibn al-Husayn's era; rather, they suit later periods.

Thirdly: Their author cannot be Ali ibn al-Husayn, who was known for the soundness of his creed. The verses do not mention the name of Allah and are directed in supplication and seeking aid from the Prophet, peace be upon him, after his death. This is an act of polytheism (shirk) from which the Prophet, peace be upon him, warned, in confirmation of His saying, the Almighty: ﴿Unquestionably, to Allah belongs the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], "We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in closeness."﴾ [Az-Zumar: 3]. And Allah, the Almighty, commanded him to clarify to the people that he possesses neither benefit nor harm and does not know the unseen, as in His saying, the Almighty: ﴿Say, "I hold not for myself [the power of] benefit or harm, except what Allah wills."﴾ [Al-A'raf: 188]. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger in this matter, for him is the fire of Hell, abiding therein forever, as in His saying, the Almighty: ﴿And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger – then indeed, for him is the fire of Hell, wherein they will abide forever.﴾ [Al-Jinn: 23].

Fourthly: These verses have not been attributed to Ali Zain al-Abidin in any reliable source of literature or history.

Therefore, a Muslim should abandon this poem and beware of it, due to its containing polytheism.