Is directly invoking anyone other than Allah swt justifiable, or is it shirk?
Directly invoking anyone other than Allah (SWT) is considered shirk, which is the act of associating partners with Allah. The Qur'an emphasizes the gravity of this sin. For instance, it states: And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden except by right, and do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse; and whoever does that will meet a penalty.
Sahih Muslim 1:164. This hadith highlights that calling upon others besides Allah is a serious transgression.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir elaborates on this by noting that associating partners with Allah is the greatest sin, as it undermines the very foundation of monotheism. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was asked about the greatest sin, and he replied: To associate partners with Allah while He created you.
Sahih al-Bukhari 65:283. This shows that invoking other entities, whether they are prophets, saints, or idols, is not permissible in Islam and is regarded as a deviation from true faith.
Moreover, Al-Kafi states that worshipping anything other than Allah is a form of oppression and deviation, leading to severe consequences. Thus, in both Sunni and Shia interpretations, invoking anyone besides Allah is firmly established as shirk, and believers are reminded to maintain their devotion solely to Allah.
Sources
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Sahih Muslim 1:164
Sahih Muslim · Book 1, Hadith 164 · Narrated by Abdullah
A man said: O Messenger of Allah, which sin is the greatest? He said: To call upon others besides Allah while He is your Creator. He said: Then what? To kill your child fearing that he might compete with you for food. He said: Then what? To commit adultery with your neighbor's wife. So Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, revealed this confirming verse: "And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden except by right, and do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse; and whoever does that will meet a penalty."
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Sahih al-Bukhari 65:283
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 65, Hadith 283 · Narrated by Abdullah
I asked or was asked the Prophet, 'Which sin is greatest before Allah?' He said, 'To associate partners with Allah while He created you.' I asked, 'Then what?' He said, 'To kill your child out of fear that he might share your food.' I asked again, 'Then what?' He said, 'To commit adultery with the wife of your neighbor.' Then the verse was revealed in confirmation: 'And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity...' (Quranic verse).
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