10.2 The Definition of Attainment (التوسل) both Linguistically and Technically

Those who prescribe to this obscurity defend polytheist actions and speech and practices rejected by Islamic law which they engage in. Since they defend their claim by attainment (التوسل) through the saints and righteous and all the beloved of Allah, it is pertinent to mention in the beginning of this lecture a clear definition of attainment (التوسل) both linguistically and technically until it is clear what is permitted in attainment (التوسل) and what is not.

• Linguistic Definition
• Technical Definition

10.2 The Definition of Attainment (التوسل) both Linguistically and Technically

Linguistic Definition of Attainment (التوسل)

Attainment (التوسل): is from an origin of attainment (لتوسل), it is said: I have attained this person through this, i.e. I have drawn closer to him through that thing. I reach Allah through the means: i.e. I performed acts to draw closer to Him, the meaning is to approach close, it also enjoys the meaning: aspiration and request, a poet has said regarding the meaning of attainment (التوسل) that enjoys the meaning of drawing close and in need:

Verily men have a means to (reach) you
if they seek you their eyes are darkened (with kohl) and impregnated (with need)

10.2 The Definition of Attainment (التوسل) both Linguistically and Technically

Meaning: aspiration and need
From here we identify that attainment (التوسل) is linguistically used for three meanings:

• Drawing close
• In need
• In aspiration
• For status

Technical Definition of Attainment (التوسل)

As for the technical meaning of attainment (التوسل), it is taken from the linguistic definition: it is to draw close to Allah the All Exalted through belief in His Prophet PBUH or through obeying and supplicating along with his intercession PBUH. This means as put by Sheikh Muhammad Naseeb al-Rafaa’i:-attainment (التوسل): “is to draw close to Allah through obeying and worshipping Him and following His Prophets and Messengers with all acts loved by Allah and pleases Him.” Here ends his remarks.

10.2 The Definition of Attainment (التوسل) both Linguistically and Technically

Hence the attainment (التوسل) permitted and endorsed by Allah the All Exalted on the tongue of His Prophet PBUH is to draw close to Allah the All Exalted through that which He has prescribed be it knowledge, physical actions or actions of the heart or abstinence, or avoiding cautioned actions, included in this are all forms of obedience and abstinence from all forms of prohibitions in due conformity with the law of the Lawgiver.

Sheikh Muhammad ibn Uthaymeen-may Allah show him mercy-say:
“The permitted attainment (التوسل): is worship that intends to achieve the pleasure of Allah and His heaven. For this reason we say: all forms of worship are means of being saved from the hellfire and entering heaven.” Here ends his remarks.

Thus, correct attainment (التوسل) is to ask Allah the All Exalted through permitted means as if to say for example: Oh my Lord by Your love and the love of our love for your Prophet PBUH and our love of your saints relieve our suffering and cleanse our souls, meet our needs and ease our circumstances.