The Prophet ﷺ cannot benefit nor harm anyone after his death

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

In the Qur’aan, Allaah تعالى said that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم cannot benefit nor harm – himself or anyone else - except as Allaah تعالى wills.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم himself acknowledges that he will not be able to benefit anyone after his death.

But throughout the centuries, in defiance of the Qur’aan and the Ahaadeeth, the Sufees want us to believe otherwise. The want us to believe that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم can benefit us, provide for our needs etc. etc.

Evidence from the Qur’aan:

Aayah #1:

Allaah تعالى says:

﴿قُل لَّا أَمْلِكُ لِنَفْسِي نَفْعًا وَلَا ضَرًّا إِلَّا مَا شَاءَ اللَّـهُ﴾

{Say (O Prophet): “It is not within my power to bring benefit to, or avert harm from, myself, except as Allaah wills…}

 [Surah al-A`raaf (7): 188. See also Surah Yunus (10): 49]

Aayah #2:

Allaah تعالى says:

﴿قُلْ إِنِّي لَا أَمْلِكُ لَكُمْ ضَرًّا وَلَا رَشَدًا﴾

{Say (O Muhammad): “Verily, it is not in my power to cause you harm or to bring you to the Right Path.}

 [Surah al-Jinn (72): 21]

Note: In the first Aayah, Allaah تعالى commands the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم to inform the people that he cannot benefit nor harm HIMSELF; and in the second Aayah, Allaah تعالى commands the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم to inform the people that he cannot benefit nor harm OTHERS.

From the Ahaadeeth:

Hadeeth #1:

While mentioning about the Dajjaal, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

“If he (Dajjaal) comes forth while I am among you, I shall contend with him on your behalf, but if he comes forth while I am not amongst you (i.e. after I die), then everyone of you is his own defender and Allaah would take care of every Muslim on my behalf (and safeguard him against his evil).”

 [Saheeh Muslim (7015) and Sunan Ibn Maajah (4075)]

Note: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم mentioned three things here:

1) What he could do when he is alive.

2) His inability after his death.

3) The ultimate source of protection is Allaah تعالى.

Hadeeth #2:

Narrated Jubair bin Mut`im رضي الله عنه: A lady came to Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم and she talked to him about something, and he gave her some instructions and told her to return to him later. She said: O Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم! What if I come and do not find you?  (The sub-narrator said: As if she meant the death of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم). He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: 

“If you should not find me, then go to Abu Bakr.”

 [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3659, 7220, 7360) and Saheeh Muslim (5878)]

Note: The Prophet did not instruct her to visit his grave after his death. Instead, he told her that she should approach Abu Bakr after his death.

What we further learn from this is that while seeking help from someone, one should always remember two things:

1) The person you are calling to should be present (someone who is alive and can hear you).

2) He should have the ability to do what you are asking.

Hadeeth #3:

When the following Aayah was revealed:

﴿وَأَنذِرْ عَشِيرَتَكَ الْأَقْرَبِينَ﴾

{And admonish your nearest kinsfolk} [Surah al-Shu`araa’ (26): 214]

The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم stood up on mount Safa and said:

“O Faatimah, daughter of Muhammad! O Safiyah, daughter of `Abd al-Muttalib (referring to his own aunt)! O sons of `Abd al-Muttalib (referring to his uncles)! I have nothing which can avail you against Allaah; you may ask me what you want of my worldly belongings.”

[Saheehain]

In another narration, he صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

“O Faatimah, daughter of Muhammad! Ask what you wish from my wealth, but I cannot save you from Allaah (if you disobey Him).”

[Saheehain]

Note: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم is clearly warning his own daughter, his aunt and his uncles to protect themselves from Allaah’s punishment by being obedient to Him تعالى. If they disobey Allaah, then he صلى الله عليه وسلم will not be able to benefit them. So if the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم will not be able to aid his own daughter, then what chances do others have?

Moreover, if the best of mankind cannot help us after his death, then who is there after him who can?! Are the saints of the Sufees better than the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم?!