Invoking the dead when visiting the graves

Q 2: Some people invoke the dead when visiting the graves of Al-Baqi` and Uhud and throw money there for their sake. What is the ruling on this practice?

A: Invoking the dead and appealing to them for help when visiting their graves is regarded as a form of major Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship that takes the Muslim out of Islam) which draws a person out of the religion of Islam. This is because supplication is the highest kind of all acts of worship. Allah (Exalted be He) says, And whoever invokes (or worships), besides Allâh, any other ilâh (god), of whom he has no proof; then his reckoning is only with his Lord. Surely! Al-Kâfirûn (the disbelievers in Allâh and in the Oneness of Allâh, polytheists, pagans, idolaters) will not be successful. Also, throwing money on the graves of the dead and offering sacrifices for their sake are the worst types of major Shirk.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.