Question :
Is seeking help from Jinn, Shirk in all cases ?
Answer :
If the seeking of help is in Shirk or Kufr or Sihr (Magic) or Sha’wadah (Sorcery), then there is no doubt that it is from Shirk and Kufr.
Allah has told which means :
“They followed what the Shayatin (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of
Sulaiman (Solomon). Sulaiman did not disbelieve, but the Shayatin (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic and such things that came down at Babylon to the two angels, Haroot and Maroot, but neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, “We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us).” And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between man and his wife, but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah’s Leave. And they learn that which harms them and profits them not. And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter. And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their own selves, if they but knew. ” (Al-Baqarah : 102)
And if the seeking of help is from permitted things then Scholars Rahimahumullah differed on this. And it is better for Muslim to leave this door (way) as he may start with permitted things then later enter into prohibited activities, so it is better for Muslim to leave this as advised by the Scholars. So if a person seeks help from Jinn in Shirk then that is Shirk and if he seek help in Sin then that is Sin and if he seek help in Major sin then that is Major sin and if he seek help in permitted things then the Scholars differed on this and better thing is to leave that.
Allah told which means :
“And say: “My Lord! I seek refuge with You from the whisperings (suggestions) of the Shayatin
(devils).”. “And I seek refuge with You, My Lord! lest they may attend (or come near) me.” ” (Al-Muminoon : 97-98)
Answered by : Shaykh Abu Ishaq Al Qaisee Hafidahullah