Some people from other schools of thought say that tawassul and istighatha are the same as shirk. Can you explain to me if it is/isn't and why it is/isn't?

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n brief, Tawassul and Isteghatha are not shirk because:

1- The one who does them is not worshipping the Prophet/Imam. He only worships Allah.

2- Allah has commanded us to seek their intercession. Just as Allah commanded the angels to prostrate to Adam. Was that shirk?

For an in-depth discussion on this, please see:

https://youtu.be/vZO95RyapXY

https://youtu.be/CeIhG0qfpog

https://youtu.be/hZlFsaldkP4

https://youtu.be/eyD5Qa9p_9E

https://youtu.be/SgVLk3kcoHk

You may see the last one especially.