Visiting the graves of Awliya’ and asking them to fulfill one's needs

Q 2: What is the ruling on visiting the graves of Awliya' (pious people)? When people experience drought or illness or anything similar, they offer a sheep or a chicken with the intention that Allah may send rain or cure their sick!

A: This is not permissible; it is an act of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship), for Allah (Exalted be He) says: Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Verily, my Salât (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). "He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims." He also says: Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only). (Part No. 1; Page No. 201) It is also authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Allah has cursed the one who sacrifices for other than Allah… May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.