Tawassul through prophets and righteous people

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Q 1: Please clarify to us the difference between a believer and a Mushrik (one who associates others in worship with Allah) keeping into account that there are some people who perform Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting), Hajj and all good deeds, but they make Tawassul (supplicating to Allah through a means) by prophets and righteous people. Is this permissible or not?

A: If a Muslim practices an act of Kufr (disbelief), such as invoking the dead to cure the sick, enlarge the provision or grant offspring, they will be out of the pale of Islam. All their deeds of Salah, Sawm and the like will be in vain if they die on this status. But if a believer commits a misdeed that is not tantamount to Kufr, like robbery or dealing in Riba (usury), their affair will be left to Allah, if He wills, He may forgive them and if He wills, He may punish them.Accordingly, you should know that the question is somewhat vague. So, if making Tawassul means what we have mentioned, then you have known its ruling. Yet if what is meant here is Tawassul by the honor of prophets and righteous people without invoking or appealing to them, then it is an act of Bid`ah (innovation in religion) and a means leading to Shirk.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.