Ruling on seeking the help of other than Allah when stricken by misfortune

Q 6: What is the ruling on those who call upon the Awliya’ (pious people) and invoke their help when afflicted by some misfortune?

A: Anyone who calls upon the Awliya’ (pious people) after their death or when they are absent is a Mushrik (one who associates others with Allah in His Divinity or worship), who is committing an act of major Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or in worship). Allah (Exalted be He) says (what means): "And invoke not besides Allâh, any such that will neither profit you nor harm you, but if (in case) you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers)." And if Allâh touches you with harm, there is none who can remove it but He, and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He wills. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.