The second question of Fatwa no. 16331
Q 2: What is the ruling on those who put some money as charity in vows boxes that are placed inside the domed sepulchers of some righteous deceased persons; the ruling on those who ask for blessings from the deceased persons; the ruling on those who ask for blessings from deceased persons through applying perfume; and the ruling on those who circumambulate the graves of righteous deceased persons to obtain blessings from them? Also, while the music is being played, some people sing some poems including some words such as: “Give me strength, Shaykh `Abdul-Rahim”, or “Give me strength, Shaykh Ibrahim”?
A: Tabarruk (seeking blessings) from the dead is an act of major Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship that takes the Muslim out of Islam). If they intend to take the deceased as means to obtain blessings from Allah (Exalted be He), it is a path to Shirk.
Making a vow to the deceased is considered an act of major Shirk. This is because vowing is an act of `Ibadah (worship); so anyone who dedicate it to any other than Allah (Exalted be He) is a Mushrik (one who associates others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). Also, it is not permissible to offer Salah (Prayer) behind someone who asks blessings from the graves, makes vows or offers sacrifices to them, or asks for the help of those buried in them as such a person is a Mushrik.
Songs and music are Haram (unlawful), as they are forbidden forms of amusement. If such songs include some words that appeal to the deceased for help and provision, singing these songs is regarded as a form of major Shirk.
May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!
Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Member Member Member Member Deputy Chairman Chairman
Bakr Abu Zayd Abdul-Aziz Al Al-Shaykh Salih Al-Fawzan Abdullah ibn GhudayyanAbdul-Razzaq AfifyAbdul-Aziz ibnAbdullah ibn Baz
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