Shirk

Question 1

Whats the ruling on taking a means to do something without evidence?

Answer 1

IslamQA was asked about a woman who bathed to cure something. Because it has no legislative or scientific evidence, taking this means is minor shirk.

Question 2

In asking Allah by mentioned something other than him, it is either:

Answer 2

Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmu’ al-fatawa said that asking of Allah by mentioning something other than him is either: (1) swearing an oath (minor shirk), or (2) seeking divine response by virtue of that thing.

Question 3

What is the ruling on tawassul?

Answer 3

Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmu’al-fatawa said that if one is asking Allah by virtue of something that actually helps achieve what he wants from Allah, then its permissible. For example asking by virtue of Allah’s names and attributes, by one’s deeds, or by people’s duas.
Asking by virtue of something that doesn’t help achieve it, this is haram. For example, asking by virtue of the prophets or righteous people.