Offerings at the shrines of Ban Biwi, Khuda Barakat and the Five Pirs

Question

Question: A group of Muslims, having had a shrine built in the name of Ban Biwi, Khuda Barakat, the Five Pirs (a group of five saints venerated in popular religion) and the like, offer milk and other things there as an offering and ask them for their needs. What we wish to ask is: if a Muslim does all this, is it permissible for him according to the Shari‘a or not? If it is not permissible, is he a Muslim or not? What is the ruling of the Shari‘a on such a person?

Answer

This practice is contrary to the teachings of Islam; according to the Shari‘a there is no permission for it whatsoever; it is the way of the polytheists (mushrikin). Those who do this should be admonished gently that by doing so it is difficult for faith (iman) to remain intact.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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