Ruling upon the one who said ”Muhammad” and ”Alee” at the time of fear

What is the Ruling upon the one who said ”Muhammad” and ”Alee” at the time of fear

Question:

On occasions you hear from those of old age, men and women, that they say at the time of fear, or fear for the children and whatever resembles that (of times of distress and anxiety) – one of them says (at such a time), “Muhammad” and “`Alee”.

Answer:

This is from calling upon other than Allaah, and seeking aid from other than Him. This expression involvesShirk and it is not permissible to say it, or for the tongue to become accustomed to it. And whoever said it,seeking refuge by way of the name of the Prophet (sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam), or by way of the name of `Alee (radiyAllaahu `anhu), then he has committed associate partners (with Allaah) with the Major Shirk that expels from the religion. And with Allaah lies success.

Shaykh Ahmad bin Yahyaa an-Najmee
Fath Rabbil-Wadood Fil-Fataawaa war-Rasaa’il war-Rudood 1/99, no. 45
Translated by Abu `Iyaad Amjad Rafiq
Posted from: http://www.fatwaislam.com/fis/index.cfm?scn=fd&ID=537