FatwaPenangCreed (Aqidah)
AMALAN ISTIGHATHAH MENURUT PANDANGAN ISLAM
What is the ruling on the practice of istighathah in Islam?
Short answer
The Penang State Fatwa Committee ruled that istighathah, in the sense of tawassul through righteous people, whether living or deceased, is permissible provided it is done with proper etiquette and understanding based on sound Sharia principles.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Penang State Mufti Department
- Date
- Status
- Fatwa committee decision
- Series
- Keputusan Fatwa Negeri Pulau Pinang (e-Fatwa)
- Topic
- Creed (Aqidah)
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
The Penang State Fatwa Committee ruled that istighathah, in the sense of tawassul through righteous people, whether living or deceased, is permissible provided it is done with proper etiquette and understanding based on sound Sharia principles. The practice should be guided by a knowledgeable, pious and reliable teacher and grounded in knowledge of creed, Sharia and ethics. Practitioners must believe that only Allah SWT can give help and fulfil needs, and mentioning a righteous person's name is only for seeking blessing or as a means for prayers to be accepted.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Istighathah dalam makna tawassul kepada orang soleh sama ada yang masih hidup atau yang telah meninggal dunia adalah harus, selagimana ia dilakukan dengan adab dan kefahaman yang benar, bersandarkan prinsip syariah yang sahih.
Read the full fatwa on the Penang website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Penang State Mufti Department. “AMALAN ISTIGHATHAH MENURUT PANDANGAN ISLAM”, 29 April 2025. http://efatwa.penang.gov.my/fatwa_details.php?fatwaid=1739. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-on-practice-of-istighathah-islam/