Is Tawassul Grave Worship? The ‘Elephant and Gold’ Logic Explains

Amidst the current heated religious discussions, one topic that often sparks fierce debate is the issue of tawassul, especially that which is performed near the tombs of the Prophets or Wali Allah (saints).

Some circles quickly leveled serious accusations: “That is shirk!”, “That is worshipping graves!”, or “You are asking from the dead!”. These accusations certainly cause anxiety for many Muslims who have practiced tawassul as a form of love for the pious.

In fact, the practice of tawassul (taking an intermediary in supplication) is part of the tradition of Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah which has a strong basis in evidence. However, this time we will not only debate with textual evidence (naqli evidence), but use a fresh and difficult-to-refute common sense approach.

This approach is known as “The Logic of the Elephant and Gold”. This clever argument was popularized by a great scholar, Sheikh Sayyid Zaky Ibrahim, in his remarkable book, Al-Ifham wal Ifham.

Let’s dissect this logic to correct the misunderstanding that seeking wasila (intercession) is the same as worshipping the physical graves.

Understanding the Core Accusation: “Worshipping the Physical”

The root of the accusation of shirk against those who practice tawassul at graves is the assumption that they are requesting and worshipping physical objects before them. Accusers believe that the supplication is directed to the earth, the tombstone, or the buried body.

They assume that the one who prays believes it is the dead body itself that will grant their requests. If this assumption is correct, then it is undoubtedly a clear case of shirk (polytheism).

However, is that truly the belief of those who practice tawassul? This is where the “Elephant and Gold Logic” comes in to refute that assumption.

Deconstructing the “Elephant and Gold Logic” (Aqli Argument)

Sheikh Sayyid Zaky Ibrahim invites us to think clearly. If it is true that reverence and supplication at graves are based on the worship of the physical body, material things, or the corpse, then people should choose other objects that are physically far superior to the deceased human body.

Here are the details of the logic:

If Worshipping Physically, Elephants Are More Worthy

Let’s talk about size and physical strength. The human body, especially one that has passed away, is a weak, small thing, and will be destroyed and consumed by the earth.

If our goal is to worship physical strength, why don’t we just worship the Elephant?

Physically, an elephant is far larger, stronger, and more majestic than any human body. However, the fact is, no Muslim goes to the zoo to seek wasilah (intercession) or pray before an elephant’s enclosure. This proves that size or physical strength is not the reason we honor the Wali (saints).

If Worshipping Material, Gold is More Worthy

Let’s talk about material value or possessions. The human body consists of flesh and bones that do not have high market value, and will even decay.

If the purpose of tawassul is to worship valuable material, why don’t we worship ingots of Gold or diamonds?

In terms of substance, gold is far more valuable, shiny, and durable than human bones. However, we never see a pious person place a gold nugget before them and pray to it for intercession.

The Key Point: The fact that we do not worship elephants (which are physically strong) and do not idolize gold (which is materially valuable) logically proves that our reverence at the Prophet’s or Wali’s tomb has absolutely nothing to do with the worship of their physical bodies or material possessions.

The accusation of “worshipping graves” immediately collapses with this simple logic.

What Are We Actually Seeking When Making Tawassul?

If it’s not the physical elephant and not the material of gold that we seek, then what is it? Why do we instead visit the graves of pious people whose bodies may have already dissolved into the earth?

The answer is because we are seeking “Ma’na al-Khalid” (The Eternal Value). We seek blessings from those who have a special closeness to Allah. In the science of Sufism, this closeness is called the station of the Rabbani Servant, which makes their prayers unanswered.

We do not respect the pile of earth. We respect the “content” or soul that once resided there. We respect the values that were inherent in the Wali during his life, namely:

1. Strong faith and piety.
2. Their closeness (qurbah) to Allah SWT.
3. Jihad and their struggle for Islam.

It is these spiritual values that will never die, unlike the body which perishes. When we seek intercession (tawassul), we utilize their closeness to Allah as a wasilah (intermediary/means) so that our prayers—still stained with sin—are heard more quickly by Allah SWT.

We honor the “container” (grave/body) because it was once occupied by the “content” (sacred soul) that is so magnificent.

A Clear Difference Between Tawassul and Shirk

To be even clearer and eliminate any doubt, let us look at the fundamental difference between the Islamic practice of tawassul and the shirk (polytheism) practiced by idol worshippers.

Here is the comparative table:

From the table above, it is clear that tawassul is very different from shirk. In fact, the person who performs tawassul is affirming Tawhid, because they are aware of their own weakness and need a “connection” from a servant who is closer to Almighty Allah.

FAQ: Answering Doubts About Tawassul and Graves

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding this topic:

Conclusion

The accusation that tawassul is worshipping graves often arises from a misunderstanding of looking only at the outward practice, without understanding the intention and belief in the heart of the practitioner.

With the help of Elephant and Gold Logic, we come to understand that our reverence for the tombs of the Wali is not a form of primitive physical worship. It is an expression of deep love and respect for the enduring values of piety.

We do not worship large elephants, nor do we adore expensive gold, and certainly we do not worship graves. We only worship Allah SWT, and we love whoever He loves.

This logic is just one of many proofs of the truth of this practice. To see the Naqli arguments (the Qur’an and Hadith) in detail, please read a thorough discussion of the authentic arguments about tawassul.

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