What Is Intercession and How Does It Relate to Islamic Creed?

Answered by Shaykh Bassem Itani

Question

What is intercession (shafa‘a), and what is its relation to the science of ‘aqida (Islamic creed)?

Answer

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad, his Family, and all his Companions.

The Definition and Importance of Intercession

Intercession (shafa‘a) means mediating on behalf of others to attain a benefit or avert harm on the Day of Judgment. Its connection to the science of  ‘aqida lies in the fact that it is a part of faith, established by the Quran, the Sunna, and the consensus (ijma‘) of Ahl al-Sunna wa al-Jama‘a.

In the Quran, Allah (Most High) says:

“Who could possibly intercede with Him without His permission? He (fully) knows what is ahead of them and what is behind them, but no one can grasp any of His knowledge—except what He wills (to reveal). His Seat encompasses the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not tire Him. For He is the Most High, the Greatest.” [Quran, 2:255]

The Prophetic Basis for Intercession

In the Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“Every prophet has been granted an accepted supplication. Every prophet hastened to use it in this world, but I have reserved mine as intercession for my Umma. It will be granted to whoever from my Umma dies without associating any partners with Allah.” [Bukhari]

Types of Intercession

The Sunna explains various types of intercession, some of which are specific to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), while others include angels, prophets, righteous people, and martyrs. [See: Dardir, Sharh al-Kharīda al-Bahiyya]

The types include:

Intercession to Begin Judgment and Bring Relief

This is for easing the hardship of standing for judgment on the Day of Resurrection. This intercession is exclusive to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and is known as the Great Intercession (al-shafa‘a al-kubra). The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“People will become distressed on the Day of Resurrection and will follow their prophets, each saying: ‘O so-and-so, intercede for us, O so-and-so, intercede for us,’ until the intercession reaches Muhammad, and that will be the Day when Allah raises him to the Praised Station.” [Bukhari]

Intercession for Entry into Paradise Without Reckoning

This is also specific to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). He said:

“My Lord has promised me that He will admit seventy thousand of my Umma into Paradise without reckoning, along with each thousand, seventy thousand more, and three handfuls from the handfuls of my Lord.” [Tirmidhi]

Intercession to Prevent Entry into Hell

Intercession for those who deserve to enter Hell so that they do not enter it. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) shares this type of intercession with others. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“My intercession is for those of my Umma who commit major sins.” [Abu Dawud]

Intercession for Removal from Hell

Intercession for removing some people from Hell. This intercession is shared by the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), other prophets, angels, and righteous believers. It is mentioned in the hadith of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace): “Allah will say:

‘The angels have interceded, the prophets have interceded, and the believers have interceded. Only the Most Merciful remains to intercede.’

Then He will take a handful from the Fire and bring out people who never did any good and had turned to charcoal.” [Bukhari]

Intercession for the Elevation of Ranks in Paradise

Intercession for the elevation of ranks in Paradise. It is reported in the hadith of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace):

“There is no Muslim who dies, and forty men who do not associate anything with Allah stand at his funeral, but Allah will accept their intercession for him.” [Muslim]

Intercession to Reduce Punishment

Intercession to reduce the punishment of those deserving eternal punishment in Hell, such as the case of the Prophet’s  uncle. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said about him:

“He is in shallow fire, and if it were not for me, he would be in the lowest depth of the Fire.” [Bukhari]

The Wisdom Behind Intercession

Intercession carries profound wisdom as revealed in the established narrations. Allah (Most High) honors some of His servants, distinguishing them by granting them the ability to intercede, highlighting their high status, such as the prophets, angels, martyrs, and righteous believers.

Additionally, divine mercy is manifested widely during the events of intercession, bringing joy, delight, and happiness to those who receive it—a scene beyond description.

We ask Allah to grant us and you the intercession of our Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) so that we may enter Paradise without reckoning or punishment. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the One who answers prayers.

[Shaykh] Bassem Itani