13-Discuss asking Allah by the Prophet (Tawassul).
Asking Allah by the Prophet is deemed permissible by the consensus of the top scholars (mujtahids). Tawassul is seeking to gain benefit or to alleviate harm by mentioning a Prophet or a righteous Muslim, in honor of the mentioned, with the firm belief that Allah is the Creator of benefit and harm. In Suratul-Ma`idah, Ayah 35 means, “Seek the means of obedience to Allah.” In the hadith related and authenticated by At–Tabaraniyy, The Prophet taught the blind man to ask Allah by him. The blind man did so, and Allah returned his sight to him.
