Did the Ahlulbayt teach us to call upon themselves directly rather than to Allah through their Waseela? If so, what is the evidence in Hadith for it?
The Prophet and Ahlul Bayt (SAWA) taught us that every thing is in the hands of Allah (SWT) and no Prophet or Imam can help anyone without the permission of Allah. When we call upon Ahlul Bayt (AS), we believe fully that their high status with Allah, makes their Waseela for us very useful. We never claim that any prophet or Imam can help us away or independently from Allah (SWT). Calling upon Ahlul Bayt directly means that we seek their Waseela with Allah (SWT).
Wassalam.