The so-called Wird Al-Rabitah

Q: In Egypt, some religiously committed young people recite a Wird (portion of Qur'an recited with consistency) named "Wird Al-Rabitah". The Wird is recited in the following manner: The young man recites the following Ayah (Qur'anic verse) Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "O Allâh! Possessor of the kingdom... Pauses for a while during which he visualizes the image of a knowledge seeker, caller to Islam or a scholar he loves and then says: "O Allah! If You know that these hearts are united in Your love and have met for the purpose of calling to Islam, strengthen our unity, make our love permanent, guide us, open our breasts by means of an increase of faith, putting our trust in Allah well, help us know You and grant us the honor of dying as martyrs for Your cause for You are the protector, and Excellent is the helper." This Wird is recited immediately after reciting Adhkar (invocations and remembrances said at certain times on a regular basis) of the day and night. They see that one of the rights of brotherhood in Allah is to recite this Wird. We explained to them that there is no evidence that affirms this act and that reciting it regularly, especially along with these prescribed Adhkar, comes under the heading of Bid`ah. Rather, they claim that this Wird contains no sin nor causes severing the ties of kinship, but it is recited as a way of supplicating for one's brother in his absence. (Part No. 2; Page No. 232) Please tell us the ruling on reciting this Wird regularly, may Allah reward you with the best.

A: Reciting this Wird is baseless and counts as Bid`ah. It should be abandoned as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Anyone who does an action which is not stated in this matter of ours (Islam) will have it rejected. Furthermore, it is impermissible to visualize an image of an absent person as it counts as a satanic act. Satan takes the form of the person whose image is visualized to distract them from religious matters. Therefore, this act must be discontinued and prohibited. And Allah knows best.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.