According to the Qur’an, a true Muslim should refer to scholars to get become well acquainted with the sound image of Islam. It is also a chance to congratulate you on becoming a Muslim, and we hope you understand the tolerant and latitudinarian teachings of Islam.
Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states: “Islam is the religion of tawhid or pure monotheism. Tawhid, when properly understood, involves not only accepting Allah as the Creator and Sovereign Lord of the universe, but also as the only entity to be worshiped, obeyed, invoked and beseeched for favours.
This is the true essence of tawhid as stated succinctly in Surat Al-Fatihah, which is a required reading in Salah (ritual Prayer): “You alone do we worship; and from You alone do we seek help.” (Al-Fatihah: 5) The same concept has been stressed elsewhere: “…And the mosques are only for Allah and so do not call upon anyone beside Allah.” (Al-Jinn: 18). “…. Whoever ascribes partners to Allah (in worship), for him Allah has forbidden Paradise. His abode is the Fire.” (Al-Ma’idah: 72).
“Allah’s are the most beautiful names; so call upon Him by them!” (Al-A`raf: 180).
“And they have been commanded to worship Allah alone making submission solely for Him.” (Al-Bayyinah: 5). Explaining the same concept, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught his cousin Ibn `Abbas, “If you ask, ask of Allah; if you seek help, seek help from Allah.”
Based on these and other verses and Hadiths, it is abundantly clear that Islam does not sanction the idea of anyone calling upon or praying to anyone beside Allah, no matter how high in status he may in the sight of Allah, regardless of whether he is the Prophet Muhammad or any other prophet or righteous person such as `Ali, et cetera. To do so is a clear violation of the principle of tawhid, and, therefore akin to shirk (associating partners with Allah). This is the reason that Allah tells His Messenger to declare unequivocally: “Say: I do not possess for myself any power to benefit, nor power to harm, except by the will of Allah.” (Al-A`raf: 188).
So, we must renounce such deviant beliefs and practices altogether and direct our prayers and supplications to Allah and Allah alone. May Allah help us all to remain steadfast in tawhid in order to gain salvation. Ameen.”