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Seeking the help of other people at times of need

20-04-1999

Question 2742

If we ask someone to pray for us or if we stumble on something and say "O mother!" or if we remember our parents as a relief in time of weakness and illness, will these consedered to be doing Shirk?

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

The Muslim should turn to Allah at times of ease and at times of hardship, and seek the help of Allah in all his affairs, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil…” [al-Naml 27:62]

If a person calls on his mother or anyone else to help him in a matter in which that person is able to help, then this is permissible. So long as a person is alive, present and able, there is nothing wrong with seeking his help, but it is better and preferable to ask Allah for help in all circumstances. And Allah is Able to do all things.

Shirk and its different forms
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