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Types of Intercession
Intercession: Linguistically means: The assembling and the making of one into two. Religiously: Interceding with another in an attempt to gain a benefit or deter harm
There are two types of intercession
- negated intercession (shafa’ah al manfiyya)
- affirmed intercession (shafa’ah al-muthbata)
- In this brief introduction, the author(may Allāh have mercy on him), clarifies why we study Tawḥīd.
- The disbelievers that our Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) was sent to acknowledged Tawhid Al-Rububiyyah; nevertheless, Our Messenger (Peace and blessings be upon him) was regarding to Tawhid Al-Uluhiyyah; therefore, anyone who allocates any act of worship other than Allah is a polytheistic disbeliever.
- The people of polytheism and disbelief attempt to validate their actions by claiming they do not call upon these false deities or turn to them, except to seek nearness and intercession. Nevertheless, this was sufficient enough grounds for the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) to declare them disbelievers and fight them.
Conditions Of Intercession
That which the creation is capable of, as long as these four conditions are met:
- The intercessor must be present (or contactable via modern means of communication).
- *The intercessor is alive.
- The intercessor is capable of carrying out that which is sought.
- The person interceded must believe that the intercessors strictly a means.
Categories Of Intercession
Affirmed –Is that which is sought solely from Allāh. It has three conditions:
1-The permission of Allāh for the intercession.
2-Allāh is pleased with the intercessor.
3-Allāh is pleased with the interceded.
This is further divided into two sub-sections
Exclusive –for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):
1-The Major Intercession (on the day of Resurrection).
2-The Prophet’s intercession that his uncle’s (Abū Tālib) punishment be reduced.
3-That the Gates of Paradise be opened.
General – For the Prophets, Messengers, Angels, Monotheists and Children:
1-That the ranks of the believers be elevated.
2-That those amongst the believers who deserved to enter the Hellfire do not enter it.
3-That those amongst the believers who entered the Hellfire be removed from it
Negated - This type has been refuted by the Qur’ān. It is that which is sought from other than Allāh; in that, which only Allāh has control over.
Ruling: Major, Shirk
Further Clarifications
Negated Intercession: Is that which is sought from other than Allāh in that which only Allāh has control over.
The evidence for this is the statement of Allah the Most High
O you who have believed, spend of that with which We have provided for you,before a Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship,nor intercession. And it is the disbelievers who are the wrongdoers
- Quran Surah Baqarah [2:254]
Affirmed Intercession: Is that which is sought from Allāh, with the intercessor being honored by this intercession. And the interceded is the one who Allāh is pleased with their speech and action after Allāh’s permission [has been sought], as Allah the Highest states
Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission?
- Quran Surah Baqarah [2:255]
