Q : A Sheikh tells his disciple who wants to study in Europe, when seeing him off: O my son, when your soul entices you to do a sin, there you should remember your Sheikh so Allah will turn you away from sin and immorality. Is this an act of associating others in worship with Allah?
A : This is an abominable Munkar (an act disapproved by Islamic law) and associating others in worship with Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He), because in such a case the disciple rushes to his Sheikh to save him from this thing. The Sheikh should have advised him to mention Allah (Exalted be He) and ask his Lord to help and grant him success. He should have advised him to hold fast to Allah [i.e. have confidence in Allah, and depend upon Him in all his affairs]. Concerning the advice given to the disciple by his Sheikh to remember him, this is one of the mistakes committed by extremist Sufis, who instruct their disciples and students to worship them beside Allah (May He be Exalted), to seek their help, and to trust them in fulfilling their needs and dispelling their distress. This act falls under AlShirkulAkbar (major form of associating others in worship with Allah). We seek refuge with Allah from this. It is obligatory for the disciple to fear Allah (Exalted be He) and rush to complain to Him about all that concerns him and to ask Him to grant him help and guidance. It is Allah, not this man's Sheikh, Who can benefit him. Allah is the One sought for help.