bes@nntp-server.caltech.edu (Behnam Sadeghi) (06/20/91)
I believe phrases like "Ya Ali Madad" originate from a belief that people that are especially close to God (e.g. Mohammad, Ali, Fatima, etc.) may "intercede" (sp?) on behalf of others, i.e. pray to God on our behalf. I know this belief in intercession is quite popular among the Shia populations. I don't know to what extent it is shared by scholars. However, if somebody thinks that Imam Ali, or any other human being, is "inherently" able to help us, then that would appear to be attributing divine qualities to other than Allah/God, hence probably "shirk." Behnam Sadeghi
bes@tybalt.caltech.edu (06/22/91)
Assalamu Alaikum, Since I received several Emails about this, I have to clarify something I said. I wrote: to believe that anybody is "inherently" able to help other people appears to be "shirk." What I mean by "inherently," is "independently of powers that God has given to the person." To give an example, I may ask my parent for help & protection. If I believe he/she is able to provide this independently of the powers God has given him/her, then that would probably be "shirk." But if I believe that any help he/she gives me is itself with the help of God, then that wouldn't be "shirk." Sorry, I won't be able to reply to further Emails, as I am leaving town (& the country) tomorrow. Eid Mubarak, Behnam Sadeghi P.S. "shirk" means associating any human or object with God.