Understanding Intercession (Shafaah) in Islamic Theology: Insights

The following translation of an article by Dr. Mohammad Akram Nadwi has been generated using AI. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, please note that this is not a certified human translation and may contain nuances that could differ from the original text. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context: https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/5560

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Intercession

By Dr. Mohammad Akram Nadwi
Oxford

The esteemed son of my respected teacher, Mawlana Muhammad Zakariyya Sambhali, Mawlana Ilyas Numani (may Allah protect him), inquired about a particular aspect of intercession (shafa’ah). To address his question, this article has been prepared, providing necessary details on intercession along with a response to the specific issue he raised.

Linguistic Meaning of Intercession

The literal meaning of shafa’ah is to pair something with another of its kind, thus forming a pair. For this reason, the Arabic word for even numbers is shaf‘ as mentioned in the Quran: “By the even and the odd” (Surah Al-Fajr 89:3). The original linguistic meaning of shafa’ah persists to this day, albeit with a broadening of its application. Another meaning of shafa’ah is advocacy or mediation, as it involves someone adding their voice to another’s plea or request to strengthen it. Additionally, it can also mean making a supplication (dua) on behalf of someone else.

In later centuries, the term shafa’ah became so commonly associated with advocacy or mediation that it almost exclusively conveyed this meaning, achieving the status of its predominant interpretation. Advocacy involves instances where, for example, a king might overlook a deserving individual, and a minister or close confidant reminds the king of their entitlement. Alternatively, a confidant might exploit their position to illegitimately include an undeserving person among the deserving recipients. For this reason, people often value relationships with intermediaries, as such connections can facilitate both legitimate and illegitimate outcomes. This reliance on intermediaries arises because common individuals generally lack direct access to the king and because the king cannot be directly acquainted with everyone’s circumstances.

Divine Justice and Intercession

Allah has clearly outlined the characteristics of those deserving His rewards, summarizing them as faith (iman) and righteous deeds (amal salih). Whoever possesses these attributes is entitled to Allah’s blessings without needing any intermediary, for nothing is hidden from Allah. Similarly, those undeserving are well-known to Allah, and no plea can alter their status. Among those who understand Allah’s names and attributes, the expectation of such intercession in His court is unfounded and even ignorant. Belief in such intercession directly conflicts with the concept of monotheism (tawhid). Consequently, the Quran emphatically denies the notion of such intercession in numerous verses, such as:

“No intercession will be accepted from it” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:48).

“Nor will intercession benefit it” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:123).

“There is no intercession” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:254).

“So the intercession of intercessors will not benefit them” (Surah Al-Muddaththir 74:48).

At the same time, the Quran and Hadith inform us that intercession will occur on the Day of Judgment. The question then arises: what is the nature of this intercession? To understand this, consider two examples:

1. When a king appears in a general assembly to bestow rewards and honors, a designated confidant announces the king’s arrival beforehand. This announcement serves as a signal for the court’s proceedings to commence with proper decorum, culminating in the king’s direct distribution of rewards. It would not be said that the king arrived solely because of the announcement; rather, everyone understands that the king’s appearance and the court’s proceedings are his own decision. The confidant’s role is merely an honorary appointment. 2. In a school competition, certain students win prizes. On the day of the award ceremony, the administration invites notable individuals to distribute the prizes. These individuals do not decide who receives the awards but are honored by being chosen to distribute them.

Intercession on the Day of Judgment

On the Day of Judgment, creation will be in immense distress, hoping for the reckoning to begin. People will approach various prophets but find no one capable of pleading to Allah to commence the reckoning until they come to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He will say, “I am for it, I am for it,” and then prostrate before Allah’s throne. Eventually, Allah will grant permission, saying, “O Muhammad, raise your head, ask, and you will be given; intercede, and your intercession will be accepted.” Through this intercession, the reckoning will begin.

This is known as Shafa’ah Kubra (The Grand Intercession), a great honor for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), referred to in the Quran as the Maqam Mahmoud (The Praised Station).

As for sinful Muslims, they will endure punishment in Hell according to their deeds. Over time, Allah will command their release, and angels, prophets, and righteous individuals will intercede for them. These intercessors will be informed of the specific characteristics of those they are to intercede for. This intercession, called Shafa’ah Sughra (The Lesser Intercession), is an honor for the intercessors and a source of hope for the sinners.

However, intercession is entirely Allah’s decision, as the Quran states: “None can intercede except he to whom He has granted permission” (Surah Taha 20:109).

The Etiquette of Supplication and Intercession

It is encouraged to pray for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to be granted Maqam Mahmoud, as in the dua after the call to prayer (adhan): “Grant him the Praised Station You have promised him.”

As for asking others to intercede for oneself on the Day of Judgment, it is inappropriate. Instead, one should pray for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, hoping to be spared Hellfire altogether, as even a moment in Hell is unbearable.

Original Article Link:
https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/5560