Intercession in Islam

Etymology

The origin of word ‘’Shafaah’’ (intercession) is ‘’shaf’’ which means “to combine two things alike.” This means the help by the authoritative for the weak ones or in other words to recommend in the form of request or supplication. The intercessor in Arabic is called شَفِیعٌ “Shafee“ and for whom intercession is recommended is called مَشفُوع“Mashfoo.’’

Explanation

The mediation or recommendation of any Prophet, Saint or an Angel for the forgiveness and pardon of a sinful person on the Day of Judgment refers to intercession.

Al-Raghib al-Asfahani writes about intercession: “Combining one thing with another in such a way that the other thing helps him and the first one asks him, that is intercession.” He further writes: ‘’The word “intercession” is usually used to associate a person of higher rank with a person of a lower rank.’’ (Al-Mufradat fi Gharib al-Quran)

In common parlance, intercession means that the intercessor, utilising his personality and influence, changes the view of the powerful and authoritative person about the punishment of his subordinates. Similarly, to use one’s influence with respect or when people are afraid of it or to influence someone through favours or to change the ideological basis regarding the sin of a criminal and his right to punishment etc.

Intercession for the Muslim Umma

Intercession is a means of reforming, awakening and guiding the sinners and wrongdoers. It is the truth and Divine light of Oneness of Allah. The intercession for Muslim Umma is due to the grace of Allah. He sent His glorious, majestic and exalted messenger Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) who holds the position of ‘’Beloved.’’ Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) is a medium for the sinners and wrongdoers to the Paradise who deserve the punishment of Hell on the Day of Judgement.

‘’Maqam-e-Mehmood’’ (The Glorious Station of Intercession of Prophet Mohammad pbuh)

The intercession is a position and honour of Allah Almighty to His chosen ones that they will intercede for the sinful servants by the command of Allah Almighty and Allah will accept their supplication. The intercession will begin with the intercession of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) termed as ‘’The Great Intercession’’ or ‘’The Superior Intercession.’’ After the superior intercession of prophet Mohammad (pbuh), the intercession of other prophets, saints and pious will begin.

This is one of the basic beliefs. On the Day of Judgment, when panic and fear will be prevalent, the words of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) یاربی امتی یا ربی امتی (O Lord! My Umma, O Lord! My Umma). Allah will grant the highest position of praiseworthy ‘’Maqam-e-Mehmood’’ to the Prophet (pbuh) and would accept his will.

Intercession in Light of Quran

Almighty Allah says:

• On that Day, no intercession shall be fruitful except his (intercession) whom the Most Kind (Lord) has granted leave (and permission and with whose word He is pleased (such as Prophets and Messengers, Allah’s chosen and pious servants, Godwary slaves, innocent children, and many other devoted servants of Allah whose intercession is validated). [20:109]
• (On the Day of Judgement) none will able to speak except whom the Most Kind (Lord) would already have awarded sanction (to intercede). [78:38]
• And in some part of the night (as well, rising from the sleep,) offer the Tahajjud Prayer. This is added specially for you. Your Lord will certainly raise you to a station of praise and glory (i.e., the glorious station of intercession where all the former and later generations will turn towards you and glorify you). [17:79]

The above verses prove that on the Day of Resurrection, Allah will bestow upon His beloved Prophet (pbuh) the honour of superior intercessor.

• Who can dare intercede with Him except by His permission? [2:255]

Imam al-Khazan writes whilst explaining this verse that no one will be able to intercede with Allah Almighty without His command and intention. Because the polytheists thought that idols would intercede for them. So Allah Almighty informed that there is no intercession with Allah Almighty except for those whom Allah Almighty has exempted with  اِلَّا بِاِذنِہٖ (except by His permission).  This means that Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and other prophets, angels, Sufi saints can intercede for other believers.

Denial for Intercession is for Non-Muslims

Some ignorant and unaware people deny intercession from a worldly point of view. Denial for intercession is mentioned in Holy Quran for disbelievers and polytheists only, as the Almighty has said:

• And warn them of the Day of impending calamity when hearts will rise to throats due to the suppressed grief. The wrongdoers will have neither any kind friend nor any influential intercessor. [40:18]
• So (now) the intercession of the intercessors will not be of any benefit to them. [74:48]

Intercession in Light of Hadiths

• Jabir ibn Abd Allah narrated that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said, “I have been given five things which were not given to anyone before me. From a distance of one month, I have been helped by terror and the whole earth has been made a place of prostration and purification for me. The spoils of war have been made lawful for me. It was not permissible for anyone before me and I was granted intercession. And all the prophets were sent for their nation, but I have been sent as a Prophet for all human beings in general.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
• Abu Musa al-Ash’ari narrated that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘’ I have been given the right to choose the right of intercession (on the Day of Judgement) or for half of my umma to enter Paradise without reckoning. So, I chose intercession because it is usually more efficient. Do you think it will be for the righteous? No, it is for the sinners, the transgressors and the people who are tainted with sins.” (Ibn Majah 4311)
• Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: There was a special accepted supplication for every prophet which they prayed for their umma. Indeed, I have reserved this supplication for the intercession of my umma on the Day of Judgement.’’ (Sahih Muslim 200)
• Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “My intercession is for the sinners (who have committed big sins) of my umma.” (Al-Tirmidhi 2435)
• Ali ibn Talib narrated that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said, “I will continue to intercede for my umma until my Lord calls me and asks, O Beloved! Are you happy? So, I will say: Yes, I am content.” (Al-Tabarani 2084)

Types of Intercession

There are two types of intercession:

1. Intercession in the World
2. Intercession in the Hereafter

1.    Intercession in this world:

This refers to intercession in the world which has been interpreted as ‘’recommendation.’’ Allah says in Quran:

Whoever makes a righteous intercession has a (fixed) share (in its reward), and who makes an evil intercession has a (fixed) share (on its sin), and Allah has full control over everything. [4:85]

The above verse proves that good intercession in the world will reward well and wrong and bad one will result in punishment. The Quran has clarified both the cases. Therefore, denying the right recommendation on the basis of wrong recommendation is against justice.

2.    Intercession in the Hereafter:

Just as intercession is permissible in this world, so is permissible in the Hereafter. There are also two types:

1. The Superior Intercession
2. The Inferior Intersession

        i.            The Superior Intercession

The station of highest praiseworthy ‘’Maqam-e-Mehmood’’ is the station of intercession. Almighty Allah says:

Your Lord will certainly raise you to a station of praise and glory (i.e., the glorious station of intercession where all the former and later generations will turn towards you and glorify you). [17:79]

‘’Maqam-e-Mahmood’’ (the glorious station of intercession) is the highest station where Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) will intercede. All of God’s creatures will praise Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and will turn towards him. At this exalted place, the glory of Mustafa will be fully manifested.

• Abdullah ibn Umar narrated that on the Day of Judgement people will follow their Prophet in groups and will say: Intercede for us ‘’O’ so and so! Intercede for us.’’ Finally, the chain of intercession will come to an end with the Holy Prophet (pbuh). This is the day when Allah Almighty will grant him the ‘’Maqam-e-Mahmood’’. (Sahih al-Bukhari – Kitab al-Tafsir)
• Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘’Maqam-e-Mahmood’’ means the (glorious) station of intercession.” (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal 478)
• Kab ibn Malik narrated that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: On the Day of Judgement, when the people will be resurrected, I and my umma will be gathered on a hill. So, my Lord will clothe me with a green robe of pride. Yes, then I will have permission and I will praise and glorify according to Divine will. So, this is ‘’Maqam-e-Mahmood’’. (Al-Mustadrak ala al-Sahihayn, Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal)

وسعتیں  دی  ہیں  خدا  نے دامنِ  محبوب  کو

جرم کھلتے جائیں گے اور وہ چھپاتے جائیں گے

Explanation: The Beloved Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) will have the highest ‘’Maqam-e-Mahmood’’ (the glorious station of intercession) on the Day of Judgement. He will exercise wide authority and will hide the sins and wrongdoings of sinners.

        i.            The Inferior Intersession

All the prophets except the Holy Prophet (pbuh), saints, sages, scholars and martyrs will have inferior intercession. They will intercede according to their rank and status.

Terms & Conditions for Intercession in the Hereafter

There are four conditions for intercession in the Hereafter:

a)      The Authority of the Intercessor over Intercession ( قدرۃ الشافع علی الشفاعہ )

The intercessor should have the power and authority over intercession. If someone has no authority to intercede, then he cannot intercede. Almighty Allah says:

(On that day) people will not possess the authority to intercede, except those who have taken the promise (of intercession) from the Most Kind (Lord). [19:87]

b)      Permission to Intercede (الاذن للشافع)

The acceptance of intercession depends on the permission to intercede by Allah.

Who can dare intercede with Him except by His permission? [2:255]

There is no one to intercede (with Him) without His permission. [10:3]

There are two levels of intercession.

c)      Intercession is for Muslims Only (اسلام المشفوع لہ )

Being a Muslim is a condition for intercession. Wherever intercession is denied in the Holy Quran, it refers to infidels and polytheists. Intercession has not been denied to the believers in any place.

And fear that Day when no soul shall be able to pay any compensation on behalf of another. Nor shall any intercession be accepted from him (of a person who shall not have Allah’s permission to intercede). Nor shall any compensation be accepted from him (for his own salvation). And they will not be helped (against Allah’s decree). [2:48]

d)      Satisfaction with the Intercession (الرضا عن المشفوع لہ )

According to the fourth condition of intercession, may Allah be pleased with the one who is to be interceded for. His intercession is not possible without Divine will. Allah says in Quran:

And they do not intercede (before His presence) but for him with whom He is pleased. [21:28]

We believe that on the Day of Judgement, the Prophets, Imams and Saints will intercede for the sinners with the permission of Allah and they will be blessed by God. Remember that this permission is only for those who have maintained their connection with Allah and His saints. Therefore, intercession is conditional. It also has something to do with our intentions and actions. (Shifat ka Bayan, Muhammad Iqbal Kalani)

On the Day of Judgement, intercession would not be for everyone. It would be according to the will of Allah Almighty, which is part of the deeds which God Almighty has declared as means of intercession.

For example, if a Muslim committed negligence in discharging their obligations and on the other hand, in his worldly life, he had been a sincere friend of Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) and the People of Cloak. He had respected a scholar of (soul of) Islam or had done good deeds with a pious believer who later attained the status of martyrdom. Allah Almighty will also reward him for this heartfelt love and practical action. On the contrary, the effects of bad deeds and sins destroy the reward of good deeds.

Different Aspects of Intercession

There are three aspects to the station of intercession that Allah will grant to His close ones:

1.    Intercession with Status / Rank:

The highest rank among human beings is that of the Prophets, then the righteous, believers and common believers. From the beginning of creation to eternity, the highest and most elevated status, honour and respect has been given to our lord and master, Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). On the Day of Judgement, he (pbuh) will be given the ‘’Maqam-e-Mahmood’’ (the glorious station of intercession). Whereas, apart from our Prophet (pbuh), other prophets, the righteous ones and believers will also intercede according to their ranks.

• The Prophet (pbuh) will intercede first. Abu Saeed al-Khudri narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘’ On the Day of Judgement, I will be the leader of the children of Adam and I have no pride of it. First of all, my grave will open and I am not saying this with pride (rather I am saying the truth). I will make a recommendation first and my recommendation will be accepted first and I am not mentioning it as a matter of pride. On the Day of Resurrection, the flag of Hamd (praise of Allah) will be in my hand and I am not saying this with pride.” (Ibn Majah)

On the Day of Resurrection, Allah Almighty will give a flag to every prophet under which his umma will gather.

After the intercession of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), other prophets, angels and believers will intercede. The reason why the prophets and the righteous will intercede is because Allah has bestowed upon His chosen ones the right and exalted position. Allah cares for His close and beloved servants. This is His special grace and blessings.

2.    Intercession with Love:

Intercession with love requires that the one who is being interceded should have a degree of love for the intercessor. The Lord of the two worlds is the most exalted being. He (pbuh) is dearest to the Creator of the universe than anything else in the universe. Allah Almighty Himself seeks His pleasure, while everything else in the world is subject to His pleasure.

The glory of the beloved ones of Allah is that He accepts their supplication and fulfills what they have sworn. Allah Almighty bestows His love, blessings and kindness on them.

3.     Intercession with Permission:

The Prophets, righteous, believers and pious will intercede before Allah on the Day of Judgement for the forgiveness of the sinners. The intercession will be due to their status and honour which Allah has given them. He has raised them above other creatures and made them close to Him. And the intercession of these close ones is only with the permission and support of Allah. (Kitab-ul-Shifaa, Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri)

Intercession and Medium

In Quran, Allah commands Muslims to seize the means of salvation. Almighty Allah says:

‘’O Believers! Fear Allah persistently and keep looking for means (medium) to (approach and get closer to) Him and strive hard in His way so that you may prosper. [5:35]

In this verse, Allah has commanded three things for salvation. To:

1. adopt piety
2. seek means
3. fight in the way of Allah

Seeking means is to adopt the company of beloved of Allah to attain His proximity. The medium of prophets, saints, righteous and martyrs is essential. They will intercede for us on the Day of Resurrection with the permission of Allah. Jihad in the way of Allah means to fight against His exoteric and esoteric enemies for His sake. The exoteric enemies are the disbelievers and polytheists who are deniers of Allah, deniers of the Prophet (pbuh) and disobedient to Allah and who cause mischief. The esoteric enemy of Allah is Iblis (leader of devils) who uses innerself and the world to astray mankind.

Purification of Innerself

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) has declared war (Jihad) again the innerself (nafs) as ‘’Jihad-e-Akbar’’ (Greatest war against innerself to purify it). When the innerself gets rid of all (spiritual) diseases and idols, it becomes pure. (Purification of Innerself in Sufism)

Al-Hasan al-Basri says that opposing the desires of the innerself is best Jihad.

Importance of Perfect Spiritual Guide

It is not possible for a person to defeat the innerself without the help and guidance of a perfect spiritual guide. The perfect spiritual guide purifies the innerself from all evils, (spiritual) diseases, desires and lusts. He is exactly on the footstep of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). The perfect spiritual guide inherits the esoteric successorship, vicegerency and the Divine trust of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). There is always a perfect and accomplished spiritual guide possessing the absolute light of guidance in the world to guide the seekers of Allah towards Him.

𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:

What is intercession?

Intercession is a position and honour of supplication by Allah to His special ones that they will intercede for sinful servants. The intercession of the Muslim Umma is due to the great grace of Allah. He has sent His glorious, majestic and exalted messenger, Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) who holds the position of ‘’Beloved.’’ Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) is a medium for the sinners and wrongdoers to the Paradise who deserve punishment of hell on the Day of Judgement.

What are the different types of intercession?

There are two types of intercession:

1. Intercession in the World
2. Intercession in the Hereafter.

The intercession in the Hereafter has further two types:

1. The Superior Intercession (of Holy Prophet pbuh)
2. The Inferior Intersession (of all other prophets, saints, believers and angels according to their ranks).

Who are the intercessors according to Quran and Hadith?

Allah says in Quran: •     On that Day, no intercession shall be fruitful except his (intercession) whom the Most Kind (Lord) has granted leave (and permission and with whose word He is pleased (such as Prophets and Messengers, Allah’s chosen and pious servants, Godwary slaves, innocent children, and many other devoted servants of Allah whose intercession is validated).  [20:109]

Abdullah ibn Umar narrated that on the Day of Judgement people will follow their Prophet in groups and will say: Intercede for us ‘’O’ so and so! Intercede for us.’’ Finally, the chain of intercession will come to an end with the Holy Prophet (pbuh). This is the day when Allah Almighty will grant him ‘’Maqam-e-Mahmood’’ (the glorious station of intercession). (Sahih al-Bukhari – Kitab al-Tafsir)

Who will benefit from the intercession on the Day of Judgement?

All Muslims whom Allah is pleased with and whom have followed the Holy Prophet (pbuh), the People of Cloak and the Sufi Saints wholeheartedly with sincerity of intention and love will benefit from the intercession of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

What is ‘’Maqam-e-Mehmood’’?

On the Day of Judgement, the intercession will begin with the intercession of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) termed as ‘’The Great Intercession’’ or ‘’The Superior Intercession.’’

Allah says in Quran: Your Lord will certainly raise you to a station of praise and glory ‘’Maqam-e-Mehmood’’ (i.e., the glorious station of intercession where all the former and later generations will turn towards you and glorify you). [17:79]

‘’Maqam-e-Mahmood’’ (the glorious station of intercession) is the highest station where Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) will intercede. All of God’s creatures will praise Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and will turn towards him. At this exalted place, the glory of Mustafa (pbuh) will be fully manifested.

Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘’Maqam-e-Mahmood’’ means the (glorious) station of intercession.” (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal 478)

What is the importance of the perfect spiritual guide in intercession?

In Quran, Allah commands Muslims to seize the means of salvation. Almighty Allah says:

‘’O Believers! Fear Allah persistently and keep looking for means (medium) to (approach and get closer to) Him and strive hard in His way so that you may prosper. [5:35]

In this verse, Allah has commanded three things for salvation. To:

1. adopt piety
2. seek means
3. fight in the way of Allah

Here the ‘means’ refers to the perfect spiritual guide. Piety is not possible without purification of innerself. The perfect spiritual guide purifies the innerself with his spiritual sight and Divine company. He is the medium of intercession for the seekers of Allah in this world and in the hereafter. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) has declared war (Jihad) again the innerself (nafs) as ‘’Jihad-e-Akbar’’ (Greatest Holy war against innerself to purify it). When the innerself gets rid of all (spiritual) diseases and idols, it becomes pure.

Who is the perfect spiritual guide in present era?

Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen Sultan Mohammad Najib-ur-Rehman is the esoteric and superior spiritual successor of Holy Prophet (pbuh) in present era. He is the perfect spiritual guide of Sarwari Qadri Order and the Universal Divine Man of this era. Read more:

https://www.sultan-ul-ashiqeen.com/