Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

82 Questions

Author(s): Ayatullah Sayyid Abdul Husayn Dastghaib Shirazi

Translator(s): Sayyid Athar Husayn S.H. Rizvi

Publisher(s): Ansariyan Publications – Qum

www.alhassanain.org/english

Table of Contents

Preface (By the Author's son) 5

God is the protector of Islam 5

Shameless Pahalavi Regime and encouragement to irreligiosity 6

Khaalisee was an enlightened and learned man 6

Distinction of this edition 6

Discussion of Monotheism (Tawhid) 8

Question 1 8

Question 2: Refutation of Daur (dependence) and Tasalsul (postponement) 9

Question 3: Impossible to see the Almighty Allah 10

Question 3 10

Notes 11

Divine Justice (Adl) 13

Question 4 13

Question 5 16

Question 6 17

Question 7 18

Question 8 19

Question 9 21

Question 10: Where is the avenger of the martyrs of Kerbala? 24

Question 11 24

Question 12 26

Question 13 27

Question 14 28

Question 15 29

Question 16 30

Notes 31

Prophethood 32

Question 17: "I witness that you were lights in the sublime loins…." 32

Question 18 33

Question 19 37

Question 20 38

Question 21 39

Question 22 40

Question 23 40

Question 24 41

Question 25 42

Notes 43

Imamate 44

Question 26 44

Question 27 46

Question 28 47

Question 29 48

Question 30 "Peace be in you O blood of Allah!" 49

Question 31 51

Question 32 52

Notes 54

Resurrection (Maad) 55

Question 33 55

Question 34 56

Question 35 56

Question 36 57

Question 37 58

Question 38 61

Question 39 61

Question 40 62

Question 41 62

Question 42 64

Question 43 64

Questoin 44 65

Notes 65

Exegesis (Tafsir) of verses of the Holy Quran 66

Questoin 45 66

Question 46 66

Question 47 67

Question 48 67

Question 49 69

Question 50 70

Question 51 71

Notes 73

Jurisprudence (Fiqh) 74

Question 52 74

Question 53 74

Question 54 75

Question 55 75

Question 56 76

Question 57 76

Question 58 77

Wisdom behind slave-freeing in Islam 77

Question 59 78

Question 60 79

Question 61 80

Question 62 82

Question 63 82

Question 64 83

Question 65 83

Notes 83

Miscellaneous Questions 84

Question 66 84

Question 67 84

Question 68 85

Question 69 86

Question 70 87

Question 71 89

Effectiveness of good omen (Tajaul) and bad omen (Tatayyur) 89

Question 72 90

Question 73 90

Question 74 94

Question 75 94

Question 76 94

Types of Religious Penance 94

Question 77 96

Question 78 97

Question 79 98

Question 80 99

Question 81 100

Question 82 101

Notes 101

Addenda to Fourth Edition 102

Wilayat Faqih and its sources 102

Acceptance of Wilayat is a condition of Faith 102

Imam Az-Zaman (a.s.) and death of Ignorance 103

There is only one Imam at any given time 104

The Prophet introduced 'those vested with authority' (Ulil Amr) 105

Obedience of the Imam during occultation 105

General salvation of the poor is in agenda of Imam Az-Zaman (a.s.) 106

Deep consideration in laws and certainty in beliefs 106

Justice and opposing the selfish desires 107

Qualities of a leader according to Imam Ali (a.s.) 107

Scholars should also obey the leader 108

All misfortune is because of ignoring Wilayat 109

Freedom and stability under rule of Jurist 109

Reappearance of Imam Az-Zaman (a.s.) 109

Modification of laws proves invalidity of claim 110

Spread of Justice is gradual and voluntary 110

Perfection of intellects after the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) 111

Conclusion 112

The Midnight Sun endangered Islam 113

Equal duration of days and nights in Polar Regions 114

Determination of Noon and Midnight in Polar Regions 115

Limit of Moderation is the Criterion 116

Final conclusion with a little explanation 117

Notes 117

Slavery in Islam 119

Notes 139

Preface (By the Author's son)

One of the most essential Muslim beliefs is that Islam is a permanent and an everlasting religion as mentioned clearly in a number of verses of the Holy Quran. It is mentioned that:

وَمَنْ يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الْإِسْلَامِ دِينًا فَلَنْ يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ وَهُوَ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ

"And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he shall be one of the losers." (Aale ‘Imran, 3:85)

And so also:

مَا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَا أَحَدٍ مِنْ رِجَالِكُمْ وَلَٰكِنْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ النَّبِيِّينَ

"Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Apostle of Allah and the Last of the prophets ...” (Al Ahzab, 33:40)

The Arabic word of 'Lan ' ‘ﻟﻦ ’ (never) in the first verse implies that other than Islam, nothing ever would be accepted and in the second verse since Prophet Muhammad is mentioned to be the last (seal) prophet, it shows that no other religion is to come after Islam and that Islam is a religion forever.

If Islam is a lasting religion, it implies that it must be perfect. Regarding this, the Quran says:

الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا ۚ فَمَنِ اضْطُرَّ فِي مَخْمَصَةٍ غَيْرَ مُتَجَانِفٍ لِإِثْمٍ ۙ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ

"This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed My favor on you and chosen for you Islam as a religion…” (Al Maidah, 5:3)

According to this holy verse, Islam is complete and is without any defect, not only with regard to the day this verse was revealed, as popularly known, during the Farewell Hajj during the last days of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.), on the contrary it is complete and defectless for all times; therefore it deserves to endure forever and that its lawful and prohibited would remain in force till Judgment Day, that which is declared as lawful by Muhammad would remain lawful till Judgment Day and that it does not require any other prophet or religion to make it perfect.

The perfection of Islam pertains to all its aspects: like beliefs, ethics, political, social, worship and economic laws. All its rules and regulations are perfect. This miraculous aspect of Islam is concealed in the Holy Quran and manifested through the words and actions of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) who themselves are defectless and pure.

God is the protector of Islam

Almighty Allah has protected this noble religion of Islam in every age; as He says:

إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ

"Surely We revealed the reminder and We will most surely be its Guardian.” (Al Hijr, 15:9)

Thus after the passing of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.), Allah protected it through the Twelve Holy Imams (a.s.) whenever unbelievers and atheists tried to harm it and created trouble by means of intrigues, plots and doubts to weaken the belief of people. The Almighty Allah rebutted them through the words and writings of Imams; and mischief-makers were always defeated. This can be known clearly from books like Ihtijaaj of Shaykh Tabarsi etc.

During the occultation of His Eminence, the Master of the Age (a.t.f.s.) the divine religion is supported through practicing scholars and supporters of faith. Whenever an atheist tries to create misguidance, providence brings out one or more scholars of Islam and helps Islam through them.

Shameless Pahalavi Regime and encouragement to irreligiosity

Simultaneous with establishment of the disgraceful Pahalavi regime in Iran, rule of Kamal Pasha in Turkey and Saud family in Hijaz etc. through colonialism, a devastating flood of irreligiosity in the name of communism and materialism or at least, disbelief overtook the entire area, polluting the pure and noble natures of inexperienced teenagers by insinuating delusive doubts by some selfish persons who were apparently highly learned.

These antique doubts, which were already replied to years ago in books, were again put to the uninformed youth and they, instead of referri ng to reliable religious scholars, turned to some false groups having religious titles, such as Bahai, Wahabi and Kisravi etc. invented and nourished by colonialist powers.

Khaalisee was an enlightened and learned man

In these sensitive circumstances, the late Muhammad Khaalisee, who died nearly fifteen years ago in Tehran, was an intelligent and a studious man; he had benefited to great extent from the company of scholars, some of whom were in the forefront in their struggle against other sects. As can be seen from question 30 (in this book) in which he has hinted about his debates against Christians.

A few years before his death, he sent his booklet to us for correction and printing. It was about some objections raised by false and misguided groups. But I, on the basis of the saying that "falsehood is wiped out by discarding it", did not approve its printing. This upright gentleman, under the impact of his own studies and also due to his association with some other people, approached the divine scholar, His Eminence Ayatullah Haaj Sayyid Abdul Husain Dastghaib (r.a.) in whom he had much faith and behind whom he had prayed, and requested for written replies to the said questions. He was very much impressed by the replies of the great scholar. The grand scholar was also pleased and he granted him permission to print that book. Subsequent editions of it also thereafter were sold out soon.

Ayatullah Dastghaib was highly concerned about revising some replies and also a number of activities delayed the publication of this book. But now, by the grace of Allah, it is being presented to the readers in a much attractive style and in enough number of copies. It is in many ways, better than the earlier editions.

Distinction of this edition

Formerly this book was divided into seven parts containing questions about Monotheism, Divine Justice, Prophethood, Imamate, Resurrection, Islamic law and Miscellany. There were in all 82 questions, which became the title of this book. In this edition:

1. A supplement is added comprising of two important questions on current topics: Governance of the Jurist and the preamble to reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.).

2. More explanation is added to almost all replies.

3. Regarding question 57 about prayers in Polar Regions, benefit is obtained from the writings of the respected Agha Nasir Makarim and while replying to question 58 about slavery in Islam, we have benefited from the writings of Sayyid Qutub. These two articles are given at the end and they are satisfactory replies to today's most debated topics.

Sayyid Muhammad Hashim Dastghaib

Discussion of Monotheism (Tawhid)

"He is inside the things through His power, but He is not like something which is inside something. He is outside the things but He is not like something which comes out of something. "

Question 1

Q. 1: Please explain the above tradition. What do those who believe in unity of existence (Wahdatul Wujud) say and how to contradict them?

A: The object of this question is a sentence from the tradition of Amirul Momineen 's (a.s.) mentioned in Usu/ Kafi. It explains that the Almighty Allah is free from all physical qualities. The complete tradition is as follows:

Amirul Momineen (a.s.) was asked, "How did you recognize your Lord?"

He replied:

"Through that with which He has introduced His self."

"How has He introduced Himself?" asked the inquirer.

Imam (a.s.) replied: "He is not alike any form and neither is he perceived by the senses. Nor can He be compared to anything. In spite of being far, He is near and despite being near, He is far. He is above everything and nothing is above Him. He is ahead of everything and nothing is ahead of Him. He is inside the things through His power, but He is not like something, which is inside something. He is outside the things but He is not like something, which comes out of something. Purified is one Who is such and other than Him is not like this and He is the beginning of everything."1

'He is inside the things' means that nothing and no part of a thing is empty of Him in the sense of His control over them· and His knowledge and His grace on them. '

But He is not like something, which is inside something' means that His being in them is not like entering of something or someone into a place, for example sitting on a throne, nor it is like the entrance of warmth or heat in water, because each of these is among the qualities of a body.

'He is outside the things ' means that He is beyond being near or close to anything. He is beyond anything that can be imagined and His attributes are dissimilar to all qualities of anything or anyone.

'He is not like something, which comes out of something', means that his being out is not the getting out of anything from anything; either from the viewpoint of being distant in space, area or environment. Thus divine existence and lordship over everything and tenseness of His nearness and the overwhelmingness of His coverage has no example. So also no there is no example of His separation from things.

Although to make it understandable instance can be given of the spirit and the rational soul of man. It is agreed that spirit is not a part of the body, but the body is under the control, and coverage of the soul which does not inhabit any particular part of the body. Thus it is both in the body as well as out of it. At the same time, it’s being in and out is not like the entrance and exit of a thing as mentioned earlier.

Also the soul is nearer to the body from the viewpoint of control and coverage. So also it is away from the body from the angle of actual existence in a place. It is independent and clear of physical ailments.

It would be clear that the nearness and remoteness of the Almighty Allah concerning the entire universe is above the nearness and remoteness of the soul from the body as mentioned.

Since man is unable to perceive the nearness and remoteness of the soul from the body it is all the more impossible for him to understand the form of nearness and remoteness of God from anything.

"(So glorified be Allah) Whom the height of intellectual courage cannot appreciate, and the divings of understanding cannot reach...”2

As for the question of the unity of existence, those who believe in it are of various sorts. Some say that there is only a Single Existence and that all other numerous existences are mere manifestation and illuminations of Him. They give the example of the sea and its waves. However this is illogical in the view of intelligent people. How can a sensible person believe that all these existences, having have their own specialties are all only imaginations and that they are no more than a single existence?

The example of the sea and its waves etc. are blatantly against the dictum of: "He is not like anything and He is above all that they attribute to Him." Moreover such belief leads to going out of the pale of faith. That is why Agha Sayyid Mohsin Hakim (t.s.), one of the Maraja Taqlid (a religious authority), writes in the commentary on Urwathul Wuthqa, regarding the believers in oneness of existence (Wahdatul Wujud)3 :

"Since religion wants us to have a good opinion about everyone who is a Muslim, we are also required to have a good opinion of their words and deeds. Therefore we may say that the aim of those who believe in oneness of existence (Wahdatul Wujud) is not what their words apparently show, which results in corruption including denial of the laws of Shariat although their real intention is correct. Otherwise the apparent words are against Shariat as mentioned earlier that:

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّكَ رَبِّ الْعِزَّةِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

"Glory be to your Lord, the Lord of Honor, above what they describe.” (As-Saffat,37: 180)

وَمَا قَدَرُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ

"And they do not assign to Allah the attributes due to Him ...''4 (Al Anam 6:91)

Question 2: Refutation of Daur (dependence) and Tasalsul (postponement)

Q.2: Describe 'Daur' (dependence) and 'Tasalsul' (postponement) and please tell us how to reject them?

A: Daur means dependence of inquiring about a thing which also depends on knowing the former thing either directly or indirectly.5 Like dependence of A on B in the meaning that B is the cause of A and vice versa. Thus everything is both a cause and effect of the other, which is obviously wrong and illogical, because it makes one to believe in the falsehood that a thing is at a time both existing and non-existing. For example, A as an effect of B makes it both absent and non-existent, because B is also its effect.

Tasalsul means postponement of the inquiry about a thing on unending matters and the evitable consequence of which is that at no point in time that thing and all matters related to it do not exist, because it is impossible for a thing to exist before the existence of its cause. So when the chain of the cause and effect continues without break, we will have to believe that neither of them becomes non-existent. Therefore, we say quite logically that all existent things must end at an existence that exists by itself, because everything needs it for its existence. Hence the chain of existence must end with the cause of causes, which is self-existent.6

Question 3: Impossible to see the Almighty Allah

وَلَمَّا جَاءَ مُوسَىٰ لِمِيقَاتِنَا وَكَلَّمَهُ رَبُّهُ قَالَ رَبِّ أَرِنِي أَنْظُرْ إِلَيْكَ ۚ قَالَ لَنْ تَرَانِي وَلَٰكِنِ انْظُرْ إِلَى الْجَبَلِ فَإِنِ اسْتَقَرَّ مَكَانَهُ فَسَوْفَ تَرَانِي ۚ فَلَمَّا تَجَلَّىٰ رَبُّهُ لِلْجَبَلِ جَعَلَهُ دَكًّا وَخَرَّ مُوسَىٰ صَعِقًا ۚ فَلَمَّا أَفَاقَ قَالَ سُبْحَانَكَ تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَأَنَا أَوَّلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

"And when Musa came at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said: My Lord! show me (Thyself), so that I may look upon Thee. He said: You cannot (bear to) see Me but look at the mountain, if it remains firm in its place, then will you see Me ..." (Al A’araaf, 7: 143)

Question 3

Q.3: With reference to the above verse of the Holy Quran, Mamun Abbasid asked Imam Ridha’ (a.s.): Prophet Musa (a.s.) was a prophet and he knew that God cannot be seen. Then how did he ask for the same? Please narrate the summary of the reply given by the Imam to Abbasid to convince him.

A: The summary of the reply given by the Imam, as mentioned in Uyun Akhbar ar-Ridha’ is that he said: Prophet Musa (a.s.) did know that Allah cannot be seen by an eye as He is pure from being seen by an eye. But as he had informed his community that Almighty Allah had spoken to him, they said:

'We will not believe you unless we also hear the Word of God., So Musa (a.s.) took seventy persons and placed them at the foot of Mount Tur. He went up the hill and requested Allah to speak with him and make those people hear His words. So they heard the Word of God from six directions as He had created voice from the tree. But they insisted that would not trust him and testify that it was the Word of God unless and until they see God clearly. When they uttered this audacity, He sent down a thunderbolt on them, which killed them.

Musa (a.s.) said: 'My Lord, what shall I say when I return to Bani Israel? They will tell me: You took seventy men with you and got them killed.' God made them alive again. After being revived, they asked Musa (a.s.): 'O Musa, ask God to make Himself visible to you. Then tell us how is He? Then we would recognize Him as recognition deserves.

Musa (a.s.) replied: 'O people, Allah cannot be seen by a physical eye and He has no shape or likeness. He cannot be recognized with signs and examples.' But they insisted: 'We will not believe in you unless and until you ask God what we told you to. ' Musa (a.s.) said: 'My Lord, You have heard these people and only You know what is good for them, Then Musa (a.s.) got a revelation: 'Well, ask what they want You to ask. 'Musa (a.s.) said: 'O Lord, make Yourself visible to me.' The Almighty Allah said:

'You can never see Me, but just look at the mountain. If it remains intact you may see Me. ' When God made His majesty descend on the mountain, it shattered the mountain into particles; Musa (a.s.) fainted. When he recovered, he said: 'O Lord, You are above being visible. I repent for the ignorance of my people and I do know by the knowledge bestowed by You that You can never be seen and really I am the first of those who believe that You cannot be seen.'

Notes

1. Usul Kafi, Vol. I , Pg. 86

2. Nahjul Balagha. Subh i Salih. Sermon no.1. (We should know that the understanding of anything is a kind of coverage and superiority over that thing. It is obvious that a creation can never be superior to or above the Lord Creator whereby one may be able to know fully about Him. If a man thinks of tracing God he should know that he is after impossibility.

"'Mind can perceive God if a straw can reach the bottom of the sea."

In fact the maximum knowledge about God is to know the inability of ourselves to understand the Infallible One. Imam Baq ir (a.s.) has said in Usul Kafi:

“You talk about God but never talk about His Self, because discussion about God 's Self results only in confusion."

It is mentioned in another tradition: "'One who thinks how is God, has destroyed himself."

Therefore, instead of thinking about His Self and about nearness to Him, which cannot result except in confusion, you should ponder over the limitless powers and wisdoms of Almighty God, which are concealed in all the particles of the universe.

"In the eyes of the wise, the leaves of green trees are all like a whole file describing the Lord’s introduction".

Man must also keep in mind his littleness, powerlessness and ignorance and he should compare himself with the vast universe of existence and then recognize his inferiority and valuelessness so that he may not fall in the fallacy of trying to know the everlasting Self of the Great Creator of the cosmos.

"'In an assembly wherein the sun is like an atom, to consider oneself the centre is a kind of indiscipline indeed ."

And about what some unwise people say that how can one believe in a God who cannot be seen and whose howness cannot be understood by anyone we say in reply that is it correct to deny the existence of life, because man is unable to know about its truth. In this case also only its signs are understood by man. Similar is the case of lightning and the soul of man; their existence is obvious, though there is no way to find out their reality. We also ask such people: Do you have the intellect? If they reply positively, we may ask them: How do you believe in the existence of intelligence, which cannot be touched or seen and when you are unable to know about its howness? If they say: We don't have any intelligence, the matter is over and that is all.

The whole world is unanimous about His Divinity though it is unable to know anything about His self. Intelligence cannot reach His Howness (How He is). Nature cannot reach the knowledge of His attributes. Neither flight of imagination reach the height whereby it can now have the know-how of His qualities. All are absolutely incapable to encompass Him by any faculty of i ntelligence.

3. Musramsik. Vol. 1, Pg. 391

4. Some of Islamic scholars have opined that oneness of existence (Wahdatul Wujud) means the unity of the owner of ranks like Light (Noor) which is a true fact but it has different levels from the angle of high and low power. Likewise, existence is one truth and that He is necessarily Eternal and Everlasting by Himself and All-knowing and All-powerful by Himself and the ranks of other existences are having local and limited powers and such existences are innumerable.

Some have explained oneness of existence (Wahdatul Wujud) in various other ways and quoting them is unnecessary and would also be very lengthy.

5. (Daur in the terminology of philosophers and intellectuals means dependence of two things on one another. Daur is of two kinds:

1 - Daur e Masrah which is dependence of two things on one another in such a way that each one is dependent on the other like the example of text.

2 – Daur e Muzmir which means rotation which necessitates the dependence of a thing on itself through the medium of a third thing -

(Asfaar , Vol. l , p. 31).

6. To explain Daur and Tasalsul we can say that since wheat cultivation depends on wheat and similarly the production of a fowl depends on a existence of an egg and the production of the egg, in turn, depends on a fowl and the production of every living thing depends on the existence of the sperm in the womb of its mother and again the production of sperm depends on a being in whom the sperm must be there.

Thus you can see in these examples that the production of wheat depends on the production of wheat and the birth of an animal depends on the birth of an animal and this i s obviously a Daur.

And if this dependence is taken backward, we see a similar continuity (Tasalsu{). For example we may say that the production of wheat next year is dependan t on i ts cultivation in the last year and that cultivation on the cultivation two years back and again that three years ago and thus on that of a thousand years and so on. Likewise, the bird before us depends on the egg of an earlier bird and that from before that and thus it goes unendi ngly, which is impossible. So necessari ly we must say that in the beginning the Lord creator created an animal along wi th the arrangement of the production of seed and sperm for reproduction destined by Him.

Few TraditionsFrom The Books OfShias

Holy Prophet (S) said:

اِنِّي لَاَشْفَعُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَاُشْفَعُ وَ يَشْفَعُ عَلِيٌّ فُيُشْفَعُ وَ يَشْفَعُ اَهْلُ بَيْتِيْ فَيُشْفَعُوْنَ

“Undoubtedly I will intercede on the day ofjudgement and it will be accepted,Hazrat ‘Ali (a.s .) will also intercede and it will be also accepted, and my progeny will also intercede and it will be also accepted.”11

Holy Prophet (S) said:

اِنَّ مِنْ اُمَّتِيْ مِنْ سَيَّدٍ اَحَلَّ اللهُ الْجَنَّةَ بِشَفَاعِتِه اَكْثَرُ مِنْ مُضِرٍّ

“There are such people in myUmmat , by whose intercession persons more than the Tribe ofMazhar (the biggest tribe of Arabia) will enter Heaven.”12

Hazrat ‘Ali (a.s .) said:

لَنَا شَفَاعَةٌ وَ لِاَهْلِ مَوَدَّتِنَا شَفَاعَةٌ

“We will do intercession and also those who love us will intercede.”13

Ameerul Momeneen ‘AliIbn Abi Taalib (a.s .) narrates that the Holy Prophet (S) said:

ثَلاَثَةٌ يَشْفَعُوْنَ اِلٰي اللهِ عَزَّوَجَلَّ فَيُشْفَعُوْنَ اَلْاَنْبِيَاءُ ثُمَّ الْعُلَمَاءُ ثُّم الشُّهَدَاءُ

“There are three groups who will intercede and it will be accepted: (a) Prophets, (b) Learned man of religion and (c) Martyrs (who have laid their lives on the path of Lord.”14

Imam ‘Ali (a.s .) has advised his son Mohammad binHanafia thus:

اِقْبَلْ مِنْ مُتَنَصِّلٍ عُذْرَه فَتَنَالُكَ الشَّفَاعَةُ

“Accept the excuse of those who plead so that, intercession for you will be accepted.”15

It is clear from thesaying ofHazrat ‘Ali (a.s .) one who will not forgive the faults of brother in faith in spite of his asking forgiveness that person’s intercession is not possible, the reason being that if he does not forgive the fault of others how can he expect the Lord to forgive him on the day ofjudgement . Perhaps even Holy Prophet (S) must have mentioned thus:

’’ مَنْ لَاْيَرْحَمْ لَاْيُرْحَمْ ‘‘

“Those who withhold mercy, mercy will not be showered on them.”

Hazrat ‘Ali (a.s .) has narrated from Holy Prophet (S) thus:

اِذَا قُمْتُ الْمَقَامَ الْمَحْمُوْدَ تَشَفَّعْتُ فِيْ اَصْحَابِ الْكَبَائِرِ مِنْ اُمَّتِيْ فَيَشْفَعْنِيْ اللهُ فِيْهِمْ وَ اللهُ لاَ تَشَفَّعْتُ فِيْمَنْ اَذَيٰ ذُرِّيَّتِيْ

“When I will be placed onMaqamul Mahmud (مقامو المحمود ) I willintercede that person of my nation who has committed greater sins. Surely Lord will not accept my intercession for those people who have harassed and inflict my progeny.”16

Imam Husain (a.s .) narrates that when he leftMadina for Karbala he saw the prophet in his dream who said:

حَبِيْبِيْ يَا حُسَيْنُ كَاَنِّي اَرَاكَ عَنْ قَرِيْبٍ مُرَمِّلَاً بِدِمَائِكَ مَذْبُوْحًا بِاَرْضِ كَرْبَلَآءَ عَلٰي اَيْدِيْ عِصَابَةٌ مِنْ اُمَّتِي وَ اَنْتَ مَعَ ذٰلِكَ يَرْجُوْنَ شَفَاعَتِيْ لاَ يَنَالُهُمْ وَ اللهُ شَفَاعَتِيْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ

“My dear Husain I see you bathed in your blood and a group of myUmmat has slaughtered you in a state of thirst, in spite of this they hope for my intercession (no my son) Lord will never accept my intercession for them on the day of judgement.”17

Forth ImamZainul Aabedin narrates in one of hisdua ,

فَاِنِّيْ لَمْ آتِكَ ثَقَتْ مِنِّيْ بِعَمَلٍ صَالِحٍ قَدَّمْتُه وَلاَ شَفَاعَةِ مَخْلُوْقٍ رَجَوْتُه اِلاَّ شَفَاعَةَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَّ اَهْلِ بَيْتِه عَلَيْهِ وَ عَلَيْهِمْ سَلَاْمُكَ

“I come not before Thee trusting in a righteous work I have sent ahead, nor in the intercession of any creature in whom I have hope, except the intercession of Muhammad and the Folk of his House(upon him and upon them be Thy peace).”

And in anotherdua he says,

صَلِّ عَلٰي مُحَمَّدٍ وَّ آلِه وَاجْعَل تَوَسُّلِيْ بِه شَافِعًا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ نَافِعًا اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ اَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ

“O Lord sends blessing on Muhammad (S) and is progeny (a.s .), and on the day ofjudgement accept recommendation of intercession which will be beneficial to me, surely You are most Merciful.”

Imam MohammadBaqir (a.s .) narrates:

يَشْفَعُ الرَّجُلُ فِيْ الْقَبِيْلَةِ وَ يَشْفَعُ الرَّجُلُ لِاَهْلِ الْبَيْتِ وَ يَشْفَعُ الرَّجُلُ لِلرَّجُلَيْنِ عَلٰي قَدْرِ عَمَلِه فَذٰلِكَ الْمَقَامُ الْمَحْمُوْدُ

“Every person (believer) will do intercession for others on the strength of his good action it is possible that he alone can intercede for a tribe, or for his family members or for a single person and the right to intercede is termed “مقام محمود ” (as referred in Qur’an).”18

A Tradition relates that a person named AbuAiman came to ImamBaqir (a.s .) and said that few people from deviate the others saying that will be receive the intercession of Holy Prophet (S) on the day ofjudgement (and will be forgiven) but the fact isevery body will receive punishment or reward according to their actions. Imam became angry and the expression on his face changed and he said,

وَيْحَكَ يَا اَبَا اَيْمَنْ اَغَرَّكَ اِنْ عَفَّ بَطْنَكَ وَ فَرْجَكَ اَمَاْ وَاللهِ لَوْ قَدْ رَاَيْتَ اِفْزَاعَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ لَقَدِ احْتَجْتَ اِلٰي شَفَاعَةِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَيْلَكَ وَهَلْ يَشْفَعُ اِلاَّ لِمَنْ قَدْ وَجَبَتْ لَهُ النَّارُ؟

“Woebe unto you, O AbuAiman ! Do you think that by saving yourself from the sins of hunger and lust your become proud. By Allah when you witness the intensities and the calamites of day ofjudgement you will really know the importance of the Prophet’s intercession (and you will need his intercession), woe on you will anybody who deserve hell can except to get intercession?”

ImamJafar al-Sadiq (a.s .) narrates:

وَ اللهُ لَنَشْفَعَنَّ لِشِيْعَتِنَا وَ اللهُ لَنَشْفَعَنَّ لِشِيْعَتِنَا حَتّي يَقُوْلَ النَّاسُ فَمَا لَنَا مِنْ شَافِعِيْنَ وَلَاْصَدِيْقٍ حَمِيْمٍ

“By Allah he will intercede for ourShias , by Allah we will surely intercede for ourShias , till that extent (our enemies) they will shout that there is nobody to do our intercession or help us.”19

ImamJafar al-Sadiq (a.s .) said:

لِكُلِّ مُؤْمِنٍ خَمْسُ سَاعَاتٍ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَشْفَعُ فِيْهَا

“On the day ofjudgement five hours are fixed for a believer so that hecan intercession for others.”20

ImamJafar al-Sadiq (a.s .) said:

مَنْ اَنْكَرَثَلاَ ثَةَ اَشْيَاءٍ فَلَيْسَ مِنْ شِيْعَتِنَا اَلْمِعْرَاجَ وَ الْمَسَائِلَةَ فِي الْقَبْرَ وَ الشَّفَاعَةَ

“One who refutesthis three things he is not from ourShias : (1) Ascension (Meraj ) of our Holy Prophet (S), (2) Questioning in the grave and (3) Intercession.”

Imam ‘Ali al-Reza (a.s .) narrated fromAmeerul Momineen ‘Ali (a.s .) that he said that:

مَنْ كَذَبَ بِشَفَاعَةِ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ صَلّي اللهُ عَلَهْه وَ آلِهِ وَ سَلَّمُ لَمْ تَنِلْه

“Person who negates the intercession of Holy Prophet (S) he will never be interceded.”

Two Important Points Regarding Above Mentioned Traditions

It is evident that the concept of intercession is not the idea of a particular sect but is found in the all MuslimUmmat .

This is also evident from the above traditions that everybody has not the right to do or receive intercession, but with special conditions. One must not deduce that a person becomes careless in committing sins as there will be no punishment for the sin, definitely it is not as the think but those who have faith in intercession, their faith is well-founded and his helplessness and hopelessness is change into hope, thus he take the step not towards evil but towards good. So let us examine those personalities who are a termed as “Intercessor of the day ofjudgement ”

Notes

1. ReferSunan Ibn Maajah , vol. 2, p. 1440;Musnad Ibn Ahmad, p. 281,Muta Malik , p. 166,Sunan Tirmidhi , vol. 5, p. 238;Sahih Muslim p. 31;Sahih Bhukhari , vol. 8-9, p. 170.

2.Musnad Ibn Ahmad, vol. 1, p. 1301 and vol. 4, p. 246;Sunan Sanai , vol. 1, p. 172;Sahih Bhukhari , vol. 1, p. 92 and p. 119.

3.Musnad Ibn Ahmad,vol 2, p. 528;Sunan Tirmidhi , vol. 4, p. 325.

4.Sunan Tirmidhi , vol. 5, p. 238;Sunan Dareme , vol. 1 p. 126 and p. 67.

5.Sunan Maajah , vol. 2, p. 441.

6.Musnah ibn Ahmad, vol. 6, p. 428.

7.Sahih Muslim, vol. 1, p. 122; andSahih Bhukhai , vol. 8, p. 143.

8.Sunan Ibn Maajah vol. 2, p. 1443.

9.Musnad Ibn Ahmad, vol. 3, p. 500.

10.Musnad Ibn Ahmad, vol. 4, p. 108.

11.Manaqib Ibn Shahar Aashub , vol. 2, p. 15; andMajmul Bayaan , vol. 1, p. 104

12.Majmul Bayaan , vol. 1, p. 392

13.Khesaal al-Suduq , p. 624

14.Khesaal al-Suduq , p. 156

15.Manla Yazharal Faqhi , vol. 4, p. 279

16.Aamali al-Suduq , p. 177

17.Makatebul Aimah , vol. 2, p. 41

18.Usul al-Kafi , vol. 8, p. 101

19.Manaqib Ibn Shahar Aashub vol. 2, p. 14

20.Sifaat us-Shia byShaikh Saduq , p. 181

Two TypesOf Intercession

According to the traditions there will be two categories of interceder:

(1) Those intercessor who have bodies and soul and who have an esteem position in His eyes and who are termed as intercessor.

(2) Thosewho do not possess body and soul cannot be termed as interceder but have a few characteristic by which they can be termed as interceder, we only termed below six such interceder which are very important and acceptable.

Deeds EligibleFor Intercession

(1) Fast

As Holy Prophet (S) said:

اَلصِّيَامُ وَ الْقُرْآنُ يَشْفَعَانِ لِلْعَبْدِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ

“Fasts and recitation of Qur’an willintercede us on the day ofjudgement for those people.”1

(2)Salat (Prayer)And His Obedience

Said byMaula ‘Ali (a.s .) inNahjul Balagah :

فَاجْعَلُوا طَاعَةَ اللهِ شَفِيْعًا لِدَرْكِ طَلِبَتِكُمْ

‘“For your needs make His obedience as your interceder.

(3) ForgivenessAnd Excuse For Sins

Maula ‘Ali (a.s .) said inNahjul Balagah :

لاَ شَافِعَ اَنْجَحُ مِنَ الْاِعْتِذَارِ

“No interceder more worthy than those who plead.”

(4) Trustworthiness

Holy Prophet (S) said one out of six deeds will be trustworthy.2

(5) Sending GreetingsOn Mohammad (S) And His Progeny (a.s .)

Imam ‘AliIbn Husain (ImamSajjad ) (a.s .) in hisdua no. 31 ofSahife Sajjadia :

وَ صُلِّ عَلٰي مُحَمَّدٍ وَّ آلِه صَلٰوةً تَشْفَعُ لَنَا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَ يَوْمَ الْفَاقَةِ اِلَيْكَ

“O Lord! Send blessing on Mohammad (S) and his progeny (a.s .) such blessings which will do our intercession on the day ofjudgement .”

(6) Qur’an

Holy Prophet (S) said:

تَعَلَّمُوْا الْقُرْآنَ فَاِنَّه شَافِعٌ لِاَصْحَا بِه يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ

“Learn the Holy Qur’an as it will act as intercessor on the day ofjudgement for those who are intimate with Qur’an.”

Notes

1.Musnad Ibn Ahmad, vol. 2, p. 274.

2.Manaqib Ibn Shahar Aashub , vol. 2, p. 14

Interceding Personalities

(1) ProphetOf Islam (S)

The status of our Prophet is such that the creation and existence of World and its end depends on him. Allah (s.w.t .) has addressed him inSurah Zoha : verse 5

وَ لَسَوْفَ يُعْطِيْكَ رَبُّكَ فَتَرْضٰي .

“And soon will your Lord give you so that you shall be well pleased.”

InSurah Bani Israel : verse 79,

عَسٰي اَنْ يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَحْمُوْدًا .

“Maybe your Lord will raise you to a position of great glory.”

InSurah Nisa , Verse 63 andSurah Maryam , Verse 78,Surah Zukhruf , Verse 86,Surah Munafequn , Verse 5, it is evident from above verses that Holy Prophet (S) is the intercessor on the day ofjudgement .

(2)Hazrat Ameerul Momeneen ‘Ali (a.s .)

Holy Prophet (S) has said thus,

اِنِّيْ لَاَشْفَعُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَاُشْفَعُ وَ يَشْفَعُ عَلِيٌّ فَيُشْفَعُ

“Without doubt on the day ofjudgement I will intercede and it will be accepted, ‘Ali (a.s .) will do intercession and it will also be accepted.”

Imam ‘Ali (a.s .) himself has said:

لَنَا شَفَاْعَةٌ وَلِاَهْلِ مُوَدَّتِنَا شَفَاعَةٌ

“Surely we will intercede and also those who love us will intercede.”

(3)Hazrat Fatemah Zahra (s.a .)

She will be the third personalities who will intercede as the Holy Prophet (S) has said:

اَيُّمَا اِمْرَاَةٌ صَلَّتْ فِيْ الْيَوْمِ وَ الْلَيْلِ خَمْسَ صَلَوَاتٍ وَ صَامَتْ شَهْرَ رَمَضَانَ وَ حَجَّتْ بَيْتَ اللهِ الْحَرَامِ وَ زَكَّتْ مَالَهَا وَ اَطَاعَتْ زَوْجَهَا وَ وَالَتْ عَلِيًّا بَعْدِيْ دَخَلَتِ الْجَنَّةَ بِشَفَاعَةِ ابْنَتِيْ فَاطِمَةُ

“Whichever lady prays five times a day, and fast for the Month ofRamazan , performs Hajj, paysZakaat and obeys her husband and loves ‘Ali after my death she will enter Heaven by my daughterFatemah Zahra (s.a .).”1

(4) ProgenyOf The Holy Prophet (S)

Holy Prophet (S) has said

وَ يَشْفَعُ اَهْلُ بَيْتِي فَيَشْفَعُوْنَ

“My progeny will intercede and their intercession will be accepted.”

He also said:

اَلشُّفَعَاءُ خَمْسَةٌ وَ نَبِيُّكُمْ وَ اَهْلُ بَيْتِ نَبِيِّكُمْ

“Intercession is of five types …… Firstly your prophet and secondly progeny of your prophet will also intercede.”

(5) Prophets (a.s .)

Following verses from Qur’an indicate their intercessionSurah Ambiya : verses 26-28,Surah Zukhruf : verse 86, even Holy Prophet (S) said:

يَشْفَعُ الْاَنْبِيَاءُ فِي كُلِّ مَنْ كَانَ يَشْهَدُ اَنْ لاَّ اِلٰهَ اِلاَّ اللهُ مُخْلِصًا

“All the prophets will intercede for those who have borne witness with sincerity there is no god but Allah.”

(6) Angels

It is also proved from Holy Qur’an e.g.Surah Najm : verse 26, traditions from Holy Prophet (S) has said:

يَشْفَعُ النَّبِيُّوْنَ وَ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ

“The prophets and angels will intercede.”

And there are many traditions regarding the intercession of angels.

(7) MartyrsOf Islam

Those people who have offered their lives on the path of Allah (s.w.t .) surely Lord will give them right to intercede. Holy Prophet (S) said thus:

يَشْفَعُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ اَلْاَنْبِيَاءُ ثُمَّ الْعُلَمَاءُ ثُمَّ الشُّهَدَاءُ

“On the day ofjudgement first the prophets, then the learned man and then the martyrs will intercede.”2

At some other place he (S) said:

يَشْفَعُ الْشَّهِيْدُ فِي سَبْعِيْنَ اِنْسَانًا مِنْ اَهْلِ بَيْتِه

“A martyr will intercede for seventy persons from among his relatives.”3

(8) Learned PersonsOf Religion

Those scholars who have given upevery thing to raise the Islam to its position, and scarified themselves to give light to the people, surely they have right to intercede. AsHazrat ‘Ali (a.s .) has narrated from Holy Prophet (S) that he said:

ثَلاْثَةٌ يَشْفَعُوْنَ اِلٰي اللهِ عَزَّوَجَلَّ فَيُشْفَعُوْنَ اَلْاَنْبِيَاءُ ثُمَّ الْعُلَمَاءُ ثُمَّ الشُّهَدَاءُ

“Three types of people who will intercede will be first Prophets, second learned people, third martyrs.”4

There are many traditions but we quote here only one,

اِذَا كَانَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بَعَثَ اللهُ الْعَالِمَ وَ الْعَابِدَ فَاِذَا وَ قَفَا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللهِ عَزَّوَجَلَّ قِيْلَ لِلْعَابِدِ اِنْطَلَقَ اِلٰي الْجَنَّةِ وَ قِيْلَ لِلْعَالِمِ قِفْ تَشْفَعْ لِلْنَّاسِ بَحُسْنِ تَاْدِيْبِكَ بِهِمْ

“On the day ofjudgement Lord will summon the learned and the pious He will order the pious to go and enter Heaven andthan He will address learned to wait and do intercession for others, as he you have brought them up well in the world.”5

(9) Qur’an – Those Who Learn, MemorizeAnd Act On It

Maula ‘Ali (a.s .) narrates with reference to Holy Prophet (S) that:

مَنْ قَرَاءَ الْقُرْآنَ فَاسْتَظْهَرَه فَاَحَلَّ حَلاَلَه وَ حَرَّمَ حَرَاْمَه اَدْخَلَهُ اللهُ بِهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَ شَفَعَه فِيْ عَشْرَةِ مِنْ اَهْلِ بَيْتِه كُلُّهُمْ قَدْوَجَبَتْ لَهُ النَّارُ

“Person who learns Qur’an, memorize it and understandsits lawful as lawful and unlawful as unlawful and also act on it, then God will make them enter Heaven and give them right to intercede for ten of his relatives who deserved to receive His punishment.”6

(10) Even Lord Himself Intercedes

We read in tradition that Lord Himself will intercede and free them from fire of hell. Holy Prophet (S) narrates that

يَشْفَعُ النَّبِيُّوْنَ وَ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ وَ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ فَيَقُوْلُ الْجَبَّارُ بَقِيَتْ شَفَاعَتِيْ

“Prophets, angels and the believers will do intercession Lord will say nowMy intercession is remaining for those who have yet not being interceded.”7

It is difficult to comprehend how Lord can do intercession, we can see from this line of supplication of ImamSajjad (a.s .)

حُبِّيْ لَكَ شَفِيْعِيْ اِلَيْكَ

“My love towardsThee, is my interceder.”8

At another place, he (S) said,

لاَ شَفِيْعَ لِيْ اِلَيْكَ فَلْيَشْفَعْ لِيْ فَضْلَكَ

“In Thy presence there is no interceder of mine, therefore makeYour grace and mercy my intercessor.”9

InSurah Zumar : verse 44 Allah (s.w.t .) said that,

قُلْ للهِ الشَّفَاعَةُ جَمِيْعًا .

“Say: (O messenger!) Allah’s is the intercession altogether.”

Notes

1.Amaali al-Suduq , p. 291

2.Jaameus Sagheer , vol. 1, pg. 434.

3.Kanzul Ummaal , vol. 4, pg. 405.

4.Mizaanul Hikmah , vol. 2, pg. 1474.

5.Behaarul Anwaar , vol. 8, pg. 56, Tr. No. 66.

6.Sunan al-Tirmidhi , vol. 4, pg. 245.

7.Saheeh Bukhaari , vol. 9, pg. 160.

8.Sahifah Sajjaadiyyah .

9. Ibid.

IntercessionFor Whom

It is evident from theQur’anic verses and the traditions of the infallibles that on the day ofjudgement intercession is only for those who have faith with a pure heart and for those whoharbour no enmity towards the progeny of Holy Prophet (S).

Minimum RequirementsFor Intercession Are Three

(1)Tauheed – Having complete faith in unity of Allah.

(2)Nabuwat – believe the Holy Prophet (S) as the seal of the prophets

(3) Love towards Holy Prophet (S) progeny and aversion towards their enemy.

Beside these there are other sins which make intercession invalid we will list below group of such unfortunate persons.

No IntercessionFor Unbeliever And Polytheist

The proof are the following verses of Qur’an, namely inSurah Aaraaf : verse 53,Surah Shoaraa : verses 98-101, and also from the traditions. Quoting an incident Imam Husain (a.s .) narrates that one day a group of Jews came to the Holy Prophet (S) with a few questions, when the question of intercession arose the Holy Prophet (S) said:

وَ اَمَّا شَفَاعَتِيْ فَفِيْ اَهْلِ الْكَبَائِرِ مَا خَلاَ اَهْلُ الشِّرْكِ وَ الظُّلْمِ

“As far as the question of my intercession is there my intercession will also be there for the great sinners, but not for polytheist and the tyrants.”1

No IntercessionFor Tyrants And Oppressor

InSurah Aaraaf : verse 18 the Holy Qur’an says :

مَا لِلظَّاْلِمِيْنَ مِنْ حَمِيْمٍ وَلاَ شَفِيْعٍ يُطَاْعُ

“The unjust shall not have any compassionate friend nor any intercessorwho should be obeyed.”

This verse should be read by those persons whofavour Yazid , (who is the greatest despot) who write and say in hisfavour . Even Lord has cursed the tyrants on many places as it is recommended tofavour the oppressed it also recommended to curse the oppressor.

No IntercessionFor The Enemies Of The Progeny Of Holy Prophet (S)

There are numerous traditions regarding this topic, but we only quote one tradition.

ImamSadiq (a.s .) has said:

لَوْ اَنَّ الْمَلَآئِكَةَ الْمُقَرِّبِيْنَ وَالْاَنْبِيَاءَ الْمُرْسَلِيْنَ شَفَعُوْا فِيْ نَاصِبٍ مَّا شَفَعُوْا

“If (it is just an imagination) even sacred angels and prophets intercede for the enemies of the progeny of Holy Prophet (S) Allah (s.w.t .) refute or reject their intercession.”2

No IntercessionFor Those Who Harass The Progeny Of Holy Prophet (S)

Holy Prophet (S) has said:

اِذَا قُمْتُ الْمَقَامَ الْمَحْمُوْدَ تَشَفَّعْتُ فِيْ اَصْحَابِ الْكَبَائِرِ مِنْ اُمَّتِيْ فَيَشْفَعْنِيْ اللهُ فِيْهِمْ وَاللهِ لاَ تَشَفَّعْتُ فِيْمَنْ آذيٰ ذُرِّيَّتِي

“When I will be placed on a lofty status of intercession then I will intercede for the greater sinners of my nation and Lord will even accept my intercession, by Allah He will not intercede for those persons who have harassed and troubled my progeny.”3

No IntercessionFor Who Do Not Believe In TheSuccessorship OfAmeerul Momeneen (a.s .) And His Infallible Sons

There are many traditions but we only quote here one. Imam ‘Ali Reza (a.s .) quotes from his father and he from his father and so on, the main source beingHazrat ‘Ali (a.s .) who has heard from Holy Prophet (S) who said that persons eligible, who are of four types.

No IntercessionFor Those Who Do Not Believe In Intercession

Holy Prophet (S) has said:

مَنْ لَمْ يُؤْمِنْ بِشَفَاعَتِيْ فَلَاْيَنَا لُه شَفَاعَتِيْ

“Those who do not have faith in my intercession will be deprived from it.”4

Imam ‘Ali Reza (a.s .) has also said:

مَنْ كَذِبَ بِشَفَاعَةِ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ لَمْ يَنِلْهُ

“Those who do not believe in the intercession of Holy Prophet (S) they will not be interceded.”5

No IntercessionFor People Who Usurp The Trusts

Holy Prophet (S) has said:

مَنْ غَشَّ الْعَرَبَ لَمْ يَدْخُلْ فِيْ شَفَاعَتِيْ

“Those who cheat the Arab they will not receive my intercession.”6

(In this tradition the word “Arab” is only for an example) otherwise to cheat any Muslim or to digest his trusts is such a great sin by which there will no intercession for him.

No IntercessionFor Those Who TakeSalat (Prayer) Lightly

We only quote here one out of many traditions on this topic. ImamSadiq (a.s .) has said:

لاَ يَنَالُ شَفَاعَتُنَا مَنِ اسْتَخَفَّ بِالصَّلٰوةِ

“Those who considerSalat (Prayer) as a trifle affair will not receive our intercession.”7

Those Sins Which Delay Intercession

It is evident from the traditions that there are certain sins by which intercession will be prolonged and due to this they will have to bear the punishment for longer time and then only they will be interceded for e.g. Fornication, the intercession will be delayed for the believer. ImamSadeq (a.s .) said thus:

فَوَ اللهِ لاَ تَنَالُ شَفَاعَتُنَا اِذَا رَكَبَ هٰذَا (يَعْنِي اَلزِّنَا) حَتَّي يُصِيْبَه اَلَمِ الْعَذَابِ وَ يَرَيٰ هَوْلَ جَهَنَّمٍ

“By Allah (s.w.t .) our intercession for a fornicator will not be up to that time till he has not tasted grievous punishment. Beside this other sins like, interest, false narration, backbiting, having attraction towards base action, and to be infatuated towards music, will not be easily interceded.”8

Those Actions Which Expedite Intercession

Thereare such few good action by virtue of which there is no delay in his intercession. We quote below a few deeds so that the readers may be inclined to do such actions by which they will be eligible for intercession.

(1) BeliefIn His Unity With A Pure Heart

It goes without saying that the soul of good action is a pure heart, one who has it his small action will be sufficient for his salvation, therefore Holy Prophet (S) said:

يَسْتَحِقُّ النَّاسُ بِشَفَاعَتِيْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ مَنْ قَالَ لاَ اِلٰه اِلاَّ اللهُ خَالِصًا مِنْ قَلْبِه

“Those person who utter لا اله الا الله from the bottom of the heart they will be the first to receive my intercession on the day of judgement.”9

(2) Long ProstrationIn His Presence

By this, believers will be eligible for a quick intercession by the Holy Prophet (S). A person asked the Holy Prophet (S) for a promise to intercede to which Holy Prophet (S) replied that

فَاَعِنِّي بِكَثْرَةِ الْسُّجُوْدِ

“If you want my quick intercession then help me with your long prostration.”10

(3) To Send BlessingOn Holy Prophet (S) And His Progeny (a.s .)

We quote here one out of many traditions fromMusnud Ibn Ahmed, vol. 4, p.108, Holy Prophet (S) said that:

مَنْ صَلَّي عَلٰي مُحَمَّدٍ وَّ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ جَبَتْ لَه شَفَاعَتِيْ

“Those who send blessings on me and my progeny (a.s .) it will be incumbent on me to intercede for him.”

(4) To Dole OutThe Services To A Brother In Faith

Although to help mankind in general is a good act but the status of one who helps his fellow brother is something greater. We only relate one out of many traditions.

The Holy Prophet (S) has said: “There will be a queue for the people of heaven, the people of hell will be make to pass by, a person among the hell will address to the person from the heaven O the son of “so an so” don’t you remember that whenyour were thirsty I quenched your thirst, he will say yes I remember, to which the person of hell will ask him towards his intercession and Lord will also accept it”.

This incident throws the light on the importance of service to a believer, and to help him in all possible way makes him eligible for intercession. We hope after reading this, you will not shirk from helping a believer.

(5) Be Prompt In Forgiveness

World is aware of the saying, “you will reap as you sow”. So, be prompt in forgiveness if you want a prompt intercession.Hazrat ‘Ali (a.s .) advised his son Mohammad binHanafia ,

اِقْبَلْ مِنْ مُتَنَصِّلٍ عُذْرَه فَتَنَالُكَ الشَّفَاعَةُ

“Forgive promptly the one who asks forgiveness from you so that Lord may accept your intercession immediately.”11

Besides this, there are other good deeds too, by virtue of which your intercession will be accepted. Below we quote a few, viz.:

a) To propagate the education of Holy Qur’an

b) To make public the recognition of the progeny of Holy Prophet (S)

c) To strengthen the relation between the fellow believers

d) To help the poor and the needy as per your capacity

e) To bear the calamities with patience andperceiveness .

f) To behave nobly towardsneighbours and people in vicinity.

Lastly we lay stress on the most important point i.e. never be careless towards the laws laid down by the Lord. Remember that your actions will be your first intercessor to help you from the grave to the day ofjudgement , do not let your lethargicbehaviour can deprive you from intercession.

Faith in intercession generates hope in humans and lightens the path towards optimism. To obtain perpetual happiness one must never forget that intercession creates in him hope of His grace and mercy and thereby enters heaven - our last abode.

Notes

1.Khesaal al-Suduq , p. 355

2.Mahaasin ofBarqi , p. 184.

3.Amaali ofShaikh Sadooq (a.r .), pg. 370.

4.Amaali al-Suduq , p. 5

5.Uyyun Akhbaar al-Reza, vol. 2, p. 66

6.Musnad al-Ahmad, vol. 1, pg. 72.

7.Usul al-Kafi , vol. 3, p. 270

8.Usul al-Kaafi , vol. 5, pg. 469.

9.Sahih Bukhaari , vol. 1, pg. 36.

10.Behaarul Anwaar , vol. 22, pg. 87, Tr. No. 39.

11.Manla Yazharal Faqih , vol. 4, p. 279.

www.alhassanain.org/english

Few TraditionsFrom The Books OfShias

Holy Prophet (S) said:

اِنِّي لَاَشْفَعُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَاُشْفَعُ وَ يَشْفَعُ عَلِيٌّ فُيُشْفَعُ وَ يَشْفَعُ اَهْلُ بَيْتِيْ فَيُشْفَعُوْنَ

“Undoubtedly I will intercede on the day ofjudgement and it will be accepted,Hazrat ‘Ali (a.s .) will also intercede and it will be also accepted, and my progeny will also intercede and it will be also accepted.”11

Holy Prophet (S) said:

اِنَّ مِنْ اُمَّتِيْ مِنْ سَيَّدٍ اَحَلَّ اللهُ الْجَنَّةَ بِشَفَاعِتِه اَكْثَرُ مِنْ مُضِرٍّ

“There are such people in myUmmat , by whose intercession persons more than the Tribe ofMazhar (the biggest tribe of Arabia) will enter Heaven.”12

Hazrat ‘Ali (a.s .) said:

لَنَا شَفَاعَةٌ وَ لِاَهْلِ مَوَدَّتِنَا شَفَاعَةٌ

“We will do intercession and also those who love us will intercede.”13

Ameerul Momeneen ‘AliIbn Abi Taalib (a.s .) narrates that the Holy Prophet (S) said:

ثَلاَثَةٌ يَشْفَعُوْنَ اِلٰي اللهِ عَزَّوَجَلَّ فَيُشْفَعُوْنَ اَلْاَنْبِيَاءُ ثُمَّ الْعُلَمَاءُ ثُّم الشُّهَدَاءُ

“There are three groups who will intercede and it will be accepted: (a) Prophets, (b) Learned man of religion and (c) Martyrs (who have laid their lives on the path of Lord.”14

Imam ‘Ali (a.s .) has advised his son Mohammad binHanafia thus:

اِقْبَلْ مِنْ مُتَنَصِّلٍ عُذْرَه فَتَنَالُكَ الشَّفَاعَةُ

“Accept the excuse of those who plead so that, intercession for you will be accepted.”15

It is clear from thesaying ofHazrat ‘Ali (a.s .) one who will not forgive the faults of brother in faith in spite of his asking forgiveness that person’s intercession is not possible, the reason being that if he does not forgive the fault of others how can he expect the Lord to forgive him on the day ofjudgement . Perhaps even Holy Prophet (S) must have mentioned thus:

’’ مَنْ لَاْيَرْحَمْ لَاْيُرْحَمْ ‘‘

“Those who withhold mercy, mercy will not be showered on them.”

Hazrat ‘Ali (a.s .) has narrated from Holy Prophet (S) thus:

اِذَا قُمْتُ الْمَقَامَ الْمَحْمُوْدَ تَشَفَّعْتُ فِيْ اَصْحَابِ الْكَبَائِرِ مِنْ اُمَّتِيْ فَيَشْفَعْنِيْ اللهُ فِيْهِمْ وَ اللهُ لاَ تَشَفَّعْتُ فِيْمَنْ اَذَيٰ ذُرِّيَّتِيْ

“When I will be placed onMaqamul Mahmud (مقامو المحمود ) I willintercede that person of my nation who has committed greater sins. Surely Lord will not accept my intercession for those people who have harassed and inflict my progeny.”16

Imam Husain (a.s .) narrates that when he leftMadina for Karbala he saw the prophet in his dream who said:

حَبِيْبِيْ يَا حُسَيْنُ كَاَنِّي اَرَاكَ عَنْ قَرِيْبٍ مُرَمِّلَاً بِدِمَائِكَ مَذْبُوْحًا بِاَرْضِ كَرْبَلَآءَ عَلٰي اَيْدِيْ عِصَابَةٌ مِنْ اُمَّتِي وَ اَنْتَ مَعَ ذٰلِكَ يَرْجُوْنَ شَفَاعَتِيْ لاَ يَنَالُهُمْ وَ اللهُ شَفَاعَتِيْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ

“My dear Husain I see you bathed in your blood and a group of myUmmat has slaughtered you in a state of thirst, in spite of this they hope for my intercession (no my son) Lord will never accept my intercession for them on the day of judgement.”17

Forth ImamZainul Aabedin narrates in one of hisdua ,

فَاِنِّيْ لَمْ آتِكَ ثَقَتْ مِنِّيْ بِعَمَلٍ صَالِحٍ قَدَّمْتُه وَلاَ شَفَاعَةِ مَخْلُوْقٍ رَجَوْتُه اِلاَّ شَفَاعَةَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَّ اَهْلِ بَيْتِه عَلَيْهِ وَ عَلَيْهِمْ سَلَاْمُكَ

“I come not before Thee trusting in a righteous work I have sent ahead, nor in the intercession of any creature in whom I have hope, except the intercession of Muhammad and the Folk of his House(upon him and upon them be Thy peace).”

And in anotherdua he says,

صَلِّ عَلٰي مُحَمَّدٍ وَّ آلِه وَاجْعَل تَوَسُّلِيْ بِه شَافِعًا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ نَافِعًا اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ اَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ

“O Lord sends blessing on Muhammad (S) and is progeny (a.s .), and on the day ofjudgement accept recommendation of intercession which will be beneficial to me, surely You are most Merciful.”

Imam MohammadBaqir (a.s .) narrates:

يَشْفَعُ الرَّجُلُ فِيْ الْقَبِيْلَةِ وَ يَشْفَعُ الرَّجُلُ لِاَهْلِ الْبَيْتِ وَ يَشْفَعُ الرَّجُلُ لِلرَّجُلَيْنِ عَلٰي قَدْرِ عَمَلِه فَذٰلِكَ الْمَقَامُ الْمَحْمُوْدُ

“Every person (believer) will do intercession for others on the strength of his good action it is possible that he alone can intercede for a tribe, or for his family members or for a single person and the right to intercede is termed “مقام محمود ” (as referred in Qur’an).”18

A Tradition relates that a person named AbuAiman came to ImamBaqir (a.s .) and said that few people from deviate the others saying that will be receive the intercession of Holy Prophet (S) on the day ofjudgement (and will be forgiven) but the fact isevery body will receive punishment or reward according to their actions. Imam became angry and the expression on his face changed and he said,

وَيْحَكَ يَا اَبَا اَيْمَنْ اَغَرَّكَ اِنْ عَفَّ بَطْنَكَ وَ فَرْجَكَ اَمَاْ وَاللهِ لَوْ قَدْ رَاَيْتَ اِفْزَاعَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ لَقَدِ احْتَجْتَ اِلٰي شَفَاعَةِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَيْلَكَ وَهَلْ يَشْفَعُ اِلاَّ لِمَنْ قَدْ وَجَبَتْ لَهُ النَّارُ؟

“Woebe unto you, O AbuAiman ! Do you think that by saving yourself from the sins of hunger and lust your become proud. By Allah when you witness the intensities and the calamites of day ofjudgement you will really know the importance of the Prophet’s intercession (and you will need his intercession), woe on you will anybody who deserve hell can except to get intercession?”

ImamJafar al-Sadiq (a.s .) narrates:

وَ اللهُ لَنَشْفَعَنَّ لِشِيْعَتِنَا وَ اللهُ لَنَشْفَعَنَّ لِشِيْعَتِنَا حَتّي يَقُوْلَ النَّاسُ فَمَا لَنَا مِنْ شَافِعِيْنَ وَلَاْصَدِيْقٍ حَمِيْمٍ

“By Allah he will intercede for ourShias , by Allah we will surely intercede for ourShias , till that extent (our enemies) they will shout that there is nobody to do our intercession or help us.”19

ImamJafar al-Sadiq (a.s .) said:

لِكُلِّ مُؤْمِنٍ خَمْسُ سَاعَاتٍ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَشْفَعُ فِيْهَا

“On the day ofjudgement five hours are fixed for a believer so that hecan intercession for others.”20

ImamJafar al-Sadiq (a.s .) said:

مَنْ اَنْكَرَثَلاَ ثَةَ اَشْيَاءٍ فَلَيْسَ مِنْ شِيْعَتِنَا اَلْمِعْرَاجَ وَ الْمَسَائِلَةَ فِي الْقَبْرَ وَ الشَّفَاعَةَ

“One who refutesthis three things he is not from ourShias : (1) Ascension (Meraj ) of our Holy Prophet (S), (2) Questioning in the grave and (3) Intercession.”

Imam ‘Ali al-Reza (a.s .) narrated fromAmeerul Momineen ‘Ali (a.s .) that he said that:

مَنْ كَذَبَ بِشَفَاعَةِ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ صَلّي اللهُ عَلَهْه وَ آلِهِ وَ سَلَّمُ لَمْ تَنِلْه

“Person who negates the intercession of Holy Prophet (S) he will never be interceded.”

Two Important Points Regarding Above Mentioned Traditions

It is evident that the concept of intercession is not the idea of a particular sect but is found in the all MuslimUmmat .

This is also evident from the above traditions that everybody has not the right to do or receive intercession, but with special conditions. One must not deduce that a person becomes careless in committing sins as there will be no punishment for the sin, definitely it is not as the think but those who have faith in intercession, their faith is well-founded and his helplessness and hopelessness is change into hope, thus he take the step not towards evil but towards good. So let us examine those personalities who are a termed as “Intercessor of the day ofjudgement ”

Notes

1. ReferSunan Ibn Maajah , vol. 2, p. 1440;Musnad Ibn Ahmad, p. 281,Muta Malik , p. 166,Sunan Tirmidhi , vol. 5, p. 238;Sahih Muslim p. 31;Sahih Bhukhari , vol. 8-9, p. 170.

2.Musnad Ibn Ahmad, vol. 1, p. 1301 and vol. 4, p. 246;Sunan Sanai , vol. 1, p. 172;Sahih Bhukhari , vol. 1, p. 92 and p. 119.

3.Musnad Ibn Ahmad,vol 2, p. 528;Sunan Tirmidhi , vol. 4, p. 325.

4.Sunan Tirmidhi , vol. 5, p. 238;Sunan Dareme , vol. 1 p. 126 and p. 67.

5.Sunan Maajah , vol. 2, p. 441.

6.Musnah ibn Ahmad, vol. 6, p. 428.

7.Sahih Muslim, vol. 1, p. 122; andSahih Bhukhai , vol. 8, p. 143.

8.Sunan Ibn Maajah vol. 2, p. 1443.

9.Musnad Ibn Ahmad, vol. 3, p. 500.

10.Musnad Ibn Ahmad, vol. 4, p. 108.

11.Manaqib Ibn Shahar Aashub , vol. 2, p. 15; andMajmul Bayaan , vol. 1, p. 104

12.Majmul Bayaan , vol. 1, p. 392

13.Khesaal al-Suduq , p. 624

14.Khesaal al-Suduq , p. 156

15.Manla Yazharal Faqhi , vol. 4, p. 279

16.Aamali al-Suduq , p. 177

17.Makatebul Aimah , vol. 2, p. 41

18.Usul al-Kafi , vol. 8, p. 101

19.Manaqib Ibn Shahar Aashub vol. 2, p. 14

20.Sifaat us-Shia byShaikh Saduq , p. 181

Two TypesOf Intercession

According to the traditions there will be two categories of interceder:

(1) Those intercessor who have bodies and soul and who have an esteem position in His eyes and who are termed as intercessor.

(2) Thosewho do not possess body and soul cannot be termed as interceder but have a few characteristic by which they can be termed as interceder, we only termed below six such interceder which are very important and acceptable.

Deeds EligibleFor Intercession

(1) Fast

As Holy Prophet (S) said:

اَلصِّيَامُ وَ الْقُرْآنُ يَشْفَعَانِ لِلْعَبْدِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ

“Fasts and recitation of Qur’an willintercede us on the day ofjudgement for those people.”1

(2)Salat (Prayer)And His Obedience

Said byMaula ‘Ali (a.s .) inNahjul Balagah :

فَاجْعَلُوا طَاعَةَ اللهِ شَفِيْعًا لِدَرْكِ طَلِبَتِكُمْ

‘“For your needs make His obedience as your interceder.

(3) ForgivenessAnd Excuse For Sins

Maula ‘Ali (a.s .) said inNahjul Balagah :

لاَ شَافِعَ اَنْجَحُ مِنَ الْاِعْتِذَارِ

“No interceder more worthy than those who plead.”

(4) Trustworthiness

Holy Prophet (S) said one out of six deeds will be trustworthy.2

(5) Sending GreetingsOn Mohammad (S) And His Progeny (a.s .)

Imam ‘AliIbn Husain (ImamSajjad ) (a.s .) in hisdua no. 31 ofSahife Sajjadia :

وَ صُلِّ عَلٰي مُحَمَّدٍ وَّ آلِه صَلٰوةً تَشْفَعُ لَنَا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَ يَوْمَ الْفَاقَةِ اِلَيْكَ

“O Lord! Send blessing on Mohammad (S) and his progeny (a.s .) such blessings which will do our intercession on the day ofjudgement .”

(6) Qur’an

Holy Prophet (S) said:

تَعَلَّمُوْا الْقُرْآنَ فَاِنَّه شَافِعٌ لِاَصْحَا بِه يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ

“Learn the Holy Qur’an as it will act as intercessor on the day ofjudgement for those who are intimate with Qur’an.”

Notes

1.Musnad Ibn Ahmad, vol. 2, p. 274.

2.Manaqib Ibn Shahar Aashub , vol. 2, p. 14

Interceding Personalities

(1) ProphetOf Islam (S)

The status of our Prophet is such that the creation and existence of World and its end depends on him. Allah (s.w.t .) has addressed him inSurah Zoha : verse 5

وَ لَسَوْفَ يُعْطِيْكَ رَبُّكَ فَتَرْضٰي .

“And soon will your Lord give you so that you shall be well pleased.”

InSurah Bani Israel : verse 79,

عَسٰي اَنْ يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَحْمُوْدًا .

“Maybe your Lord will raise you to a position of great glory.”

InSurah Nisa , Verse 63 andSurah Maryam , Verse 78,Surah Zukhruf , Verse 86,Surah Munafequn , Verse 5, it is evident from above verses that Holy Prophet (S) is the intercessor on the day ofjudgement .

(2)Hazrat Ameerul Momeneen ‘Ali (a.s .)

Holy Prophet (S) has said thus,

اِنِّيْ لَاَشْفَعُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَاُشْفَعُ وَ يَشْفَعُ عَلِيٌّ فَيُشْفَعُ

“Without doubt on the day ofjudgement I will intercede and it will be accepted, ‘Ali (a.s .) will do intercession and it will also be accepted.”

Imam ‘Ali (a.s .) himself has said:

لَنَا شَفَاْعَةٌ وَلِاَهْلِ مُوَدَّتِنَا شَفَاعَةٌ

“Surely we will intercede and also those who love us will intercede.”

(3)Hazrat Fatemah Zahra (s.a .)

She will be the third personalities who will intercede as the Holy Prophet (S) has said:

اَيُّمَا اِمْرَاَةٌ صَلَّتْ فِيْ الْيَوْمِ وَ الْلَيْلِ خَمْسَ صَلَوَاتٍ وَ صَامَتْ شَهْرَ رَمَضَانَ وَ حَجَّتْ بَيْتَ اللهِ الْحَرَامِ وَ زَكَّتْ مَالَهَا وَ اَطَاعَتْ زَوْجَهَا وَ وَالَتْ عَلِيًّا بَعْدِيْ دَخَلَتِ الْجَنَّةَ بِشَفَاعَةِ ابْنَتِيْ فَاطِمَةُ

“Whichever lady prays five times a day, and fast for the Month ofRamazan , performs Hajj, paysZakaat and obeys her husband and loves ‘Ali after my death she will enter Heaven by my daughterFatemah Zahra (s.a .).”1

(4) ProgenyOf The Holy Prophet (S)

Holy Prophet (S) has said

وَ يَشْفَعُ اَهْلُ بَيْتِي فَيَشْفَعُوْنَ

“My progeny will intercede and their intercession will be accepted.”

He also said:

اَلشُّفَعَاءُ خَمْسَةٌ وَ نَبِيُّكُمْ وَ اَهْلُ بَيْتِ نَبِيِّكُمْ

“Intercession is of five types …… Firstly your prophet and secondly progeny of your prophet will also intercede.”

(5) Prophets (a.s .)

Following verses from Qur’an indicate their intercessionSurah Ambiya : verses 26-28,Surah Zukhruf : verse 86, even Holy Prophet (S) said:

يَشْفَعُ الْاَنْبِيَاءُ فِي كُلِّ مَنْ كَانَ يَشْهَدُ اَنْ لاَّ اِلٰهَ اِلاَّ اللهُ مُخْلِصًا

“All the prophets will intercede for those who have borne witness with sincerity there is no god but Allah.”

(6) Angels

It is also proved from Holy Qur’an e.g.Surah Najm : verse 26, traditions from Holy Prophet (S) has said:

يَشْفَعُ النَّبِيُّوْنَ وَ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ

“The prophets and angels will intercede.”

And there are many traditions regarding the intercession of angels.

(7) MartyrsOf Islam

Those people who have offered their lives on the path of Allah (s.w.t .) surely Lord will give them right to intercede. Holy Prophet (S) said thus:

يَشْفَعُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ اَلْاَنْبِيَاءُ ثُمَّ الْعُلَمَاءُ ثُمَّ الشُّهَدَاءُ

“On the day ofjudgement first the prophets, then the learned man and then the martyrs will intercede.”2

At some other place he (S) said:

يَشْفَعُ الْشَّهِيْدُ فِي سَبْعِيْنَ اِنْسَانًا مِنْ اَهْلِ بَيْتِه

“A martyr will intercede for seventy persons from among his relatives.”3

(8) Learned PersonsOf Religion

Those scholars who have given upevery thing to raise the Islam to its position, and scarified themselves to give light to the people, surely they have right to intercede. AsHazrat ‘Ali (a.s .) has narrated from Holy Prophet (S) that he said:

ثَلاْثَةٌ يَشْفَعُوْنَ اِلٰي اللهِ عَزَّوَجَلَّ فَيُشْفَعُوْنَ اَلْاَنْبِيَاءُ ثُمَّ الْعُلَمَاءُ ثُمَّ الشُّهَدَاءُ

“Three types of people who will intercede will be first Prophets, second learned people, third martyrs.”4

There are many traditions but we quote here only one,

اِذَا كَانَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بَعَثَ اللهُ الْعَالِمَ وَ الْعَابِدَ فَاِذَا وَ قَفَا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللهِ عَزَّوَجَلَّ قِيْلَ لِلْعَابِدِ اِنْطَلَقَ اِلٰي الْجَنَّةِ وَ قِيْلَ لِلْعَالِمِ قِفْ تَشْفَعْ لِلْنَّاسِ بَحُسْنِ تَاْدِيْبِكَ بِهِمْ

“On the day ofjudgement Lord will summon the learned and the pious He will order the pious to go and enter Heaven andthan He will address learned to wait and do intercession for others, as he you have brought them up well in the world.”5

(9) Qur’an – Those Who Learn, MemorizeAnd Act On It

Maula ‘Ali (a.s .) narrates with reference to Holy Prophet (S) that:

مَنْ قَرَاءَ الْقُرْآنَ فَاسْتَظْهَرَه فَاَحَلَّ حَلاَلَه وَ حَرَّمَ حَرَاْمَه اَدْخَلَهُ اللهُ بِهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَ شَفَعَه فِيْ عَشْرَةِ مِنْ اَهْلِ بَيْتِه كُلُّهُمْ قَدْوَجَبَتْ لَهُ النَّارُ

“Person who learns Qur’an, memorize it and understandsits lawful as lawful and unlawful as unlawful and also act on it, then God will make them enter Heaven and give them right to intercede for ten of his relatives who deserved to receive His punishment.”6

(10) Even Lord Himself Intercedes

We read in tradition that Lord Himself will intercede and free them from fire of hell. Holy Prophet (S) narrates that

يَشْفَعُ النَّبِيُّوْنَ وَ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ وَ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ فَيَقُوْلُ الْجَبَّارُ بَقِيَتْ شَفَاعَتِيْ

“Prophets, angels and the believers will do intercession Lord will say nowMy intercession is remaining for those who have yet not being interceded.”7

It is difficult to comprehend how Lord can do intercession, we can see from this line of supplication of ImamSajjad (a.s .)

حُبِّيْ لَكَ شَفِيْعِيْ اِلَيْكَ

“My love towardsThee, is my interceder.”8

At another place, he (S) said,

لاَ شَفِيْعَ لِيْ اِلَيْكَ فَلْيَشْفَعْ لِيْ فَضْلَكَ

“In Thy presence there is no interceder of mine, therefore makeYour grace and mercy my intercessor.”9

InSurah Zumar : verse 44 Allah (s.w.t .) said that,

قُلْ للهِ الشَّفَاعَةُ جَمِيْعًا .

“Say: (O messenger!) Allah’s is the intercession altogether.”

Notes

1.Amaali al-Suduq , p. 291

2.Jaameus Sagheer , vol. 1, pg. 434.

3.Kanzul Ummaal , vol. 4, pg. 405.

4.Mizaanul Hikmah , vol. 2, pg. 1474.

5.Behaarul Anwaar , vol. 8, pg. 56, Tr. No. 66.

6.Sunan al-Tirmidhi , vol. 4, pg. 245.

7.Saheeh Bukhaari , vol. 9, pg. 160.

8.Sahifah Sajjaadiyyah .

9. Ibid.

IntercessionFor Whom

It is evident from theQur’anic verses and the traditions of the infallibles that on the day ofjudgement intercession is only for those who have faith with a pure heart and for those whoharbour no enmity towards the progeny of Holy Prophet (S).

Minimum RequirementsFor Intercession Are Three

(1)Tauheed – Having complete faith in unity of Allah.

(2)Nabuwat – believe the Holy Prophet (S) as the seal of the prophets

(3) Love towards Holy Prophet (S) progeny and aversion towards their enemy.

Beside these there are other sins which make intercession invalid we will list below group of such unfortunate persons.

No IntercessionFor Unbeliever And Polytheist

The proof are the following verses of Qur’an, namely inSurah Aaraaf : verse 53,Surah Shoaraa : verses 98-101, and also from the traditions. Quoting an incident Imam Husain (a.s .) narrates that one day a group of Jews came to the Holy Prophet (S) with a few questions, when the question of intercession arose the Holy Prophet (S) said:

وَ اَمَّا شَفَاعَتِيْ فَفِيْ اَهْلِ الْكَبَائِرِ مَا خَلاَ اَهْلُ الشِّرْكِ وَ الظُّلْمِ

“As far as the question of my intercession is there my intercession will also be there for the great sinners, but not for polytheist and the tyrants.”1

No IntercessionFor Tyrants And Oppressor

InSurah Aaraaf : verse 18 the Holy Qur’an says :

مَا لِلظَّاْلِمِيْنَ مِنْ حَمِيْمٍ وَلاَ شَفِيْعٍ يُطَاْعُ

“The unjust shall not have any compassionate friend nor any intercessorwho should be obeyed.”

This verse should be read by those persons whofavour Yazid , (who is the greatest despot) who write and say in hisfavour . Even Lord has cursed the tyrants on many places as it is recommended tofavour the oppressed it also recommended to curse the oppressor.

No IntercessionFor The Enemies Of The Progeny Of Holy Prophet (S)

There are numerous traditions regarding this topic, but we only quote one tradition.

ImamSadiq (a.s .) has said:

لَوْ اَنَّ الْمَلَآئِكَةَ الْمُقَرِّبِيْنَ وَالْاَنْبِيَاءَ الْمُرْسَلِيْنَ شَفَعُوْا فِيْ نَاصِبٍ مَّا شَفَعُوْا

“If (it is just an imagination) even sacred angels and prophets intercede for the enemies of the progeny of Holy Prophet (S) Allah (s.w.t .) refute or reject their intercession.”2

No IntercessionFor Those Who Harass The Progeny Of Holy Prophet (S)

Holy Prophet (S) has said:

اِذَا قُمْتُ الْمَقَامَ الْمَحْمُوْدَ تَشَفَّعْتُ فِيْ اَصْحَابِ الْكَبَائِرِ مِنْ اُمَّتِيْ فَيَشْفَعْنِيْ اللهُ فِيْهِمْ وَاللهِ لاَ تَشَفَّعْتُ فِيْمَنْ آذيٰ ذُرِّيَّتِي

“When I will be placed on a lofty status of intercession then I will intercede for the greater sinners of my nation and Lord will even accept my intercession, by Allah He will not intercede for those persons who have harassed and troubled my progeny.”3

No IntercessionFor Who Do Not Believe In TheSuccessorship OfAmeerul Momeneen (a.s .) And His Infallible Sons

There are many traditions but we only quote here one. Imam ‘Ali Reza (a.s .) quotes from his father and he from his father and so on, the main source beingHazrat ‘Ali (a.s .) who has heard from Holy Prophet (S) who said that persons eligible, who are of four types.

No IntercessionFor Those Who Do Not Believe In Intercession

Holy Prophet (S) has said:

مَنْ لَمْ يُؤْمِنْ بِشَفَاعَتِيْ فَلَاْيَنَا لُه شَفَاعَتِيْ

“Those who do not have faith in my intercession will be deprived from it.”4

Imam ‘Ali Reza (a.s .) has also said:

مَنْ كَذِبَ بِشَفَاعَةِ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ لَمْ يَنِلْهُ

“Those who do not believe in the intercession of Holy Prophet (S) they will not be interceded.”5

No IntercessionFor People Who Usurp The Trusts

Holy Prophet (S) has said:

مَنْ غَشَّ الْعَرَبَ لَمْ يَدْخُلْ فِيْ شَفَاعَتِيْ

“Those who cheat the Arab they will not receive my intercession.”6

(In this tradition the word “Arab” is only for an example) otherwise to cheat any Muslim or to digest his trusts is such a great sin by which there will no intercession for him.

No IntercessionFor Those Who TakeSalat (Prayer) Lightly

We only quote here one out of many traditions on this topic. ImamSadiq (a.s .) has said:

لاَ يَنَالُ شَفَاعَتُنَا مَنِ اسْتَخَفَّ بِالصَّلٰوةِ

“Those who considerSalat (Prayer) as a trifle affair will not receive our intercession.”7

Those Sins Which Delay Intercession

It is evident from the traditions that there are certain sins by which intercession will be prolonged and due to this they will have to bear the punishment for longer time and then only they will be interceded for e.g. Fornication, the intercession will be delayed for the believer. ImamSadeq (a.s .) said thus:

فَوَ اللهِ لاَ تَنَالُ شَفَاعَتُنَا اِذَا رَكَبَ هٰذَا (يَعْنِي اَلزِّنَا) حَتَّي يُصِيْبَه اَلَمِ الْعَذَابِ وَ يَرَيٰ هَوْلَ جَهَنَّمٍ

“By Allah (s.w.t .) our intercession for a fornicator will not be up to that time till he has not tasted grievous punishment. Beside this other sins like, interest, false narration, backbiting, having attraction towards base action, and to be infatuated towards music, will not be easily interceded.”8

Those Actions Which Expedite Intercession

Thereare such few good action by virtue of which there is no delay in his intercession. We quote below a few deeds so that the readers may be inclined to do such actions by which they will be eligible for intercession.

(1) BeliefIn His Unity With A Pure Heart

It goes without saying that the soul of good action is a pure heart, one who has it his small action will be sufficient for his salvation, therefore Holy Prophet (S) said:

يَسْتَحِقُّ النَّاسُ بِشَفَاعَتِيْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ مَنْ قَالَ لاَ اِلٰه اِلاَّ اللهُ خَالِصًا مِنْ قَلْبِه

“Those person who utter لا اله الا الله from the bottom of the heart they will be the first to receive my intercession on the day of judgement.”9

(2) Long ProstrationIn His Presence

By this, believers will be eligible for a quick intercession by the Holy Prophet (S). A person asked the Holy Prophet (S) for a promise to intercede to which Holy Prophet (S) replied that

فَاَعِنِّي بِكَثْرَةِ الْسُّجُوْدِ

“If you want my quick intercession then help me with your long prostration.”10

(3) To Send BlessingOn Holy Prophet (S) And His Progeny (a.s .)

We quote here one out of many traditions fromMusnud Ibn Ahmed, vol. 4, p.108, Holy Prophet (S) said that:

مَنْ صَلَّي عَلٰي مُحَمَّدٍ وَّ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ جَبَتْ لَه شَفَاعَتِيْ

“Those who send blessings on me and my progeny (a.s .) it will be incumbent on me to intercede for him.”

(4) To Dole OutThe Services To A Brother In Faith

Although to help mankind in general is a good act but the status of one who helps his fellow brother is something greater. We only relate one out of many traditions.

The Holy Prophet (S) has said: “There will be a queue for the people of heaven, the people of hell will be make to pass by, a person among the hell will address to the person from the heaven O the son of “so an so” don’t you remember that whenyour were thirsty I quenched your thirst, he will say yes I remember, to which the person of hell will ask him towards his intercession and Lord will also accept it”.

This incident throws the light on the importance of service to a believer, and to help him in all possible way makes him eligible for intercession. We hope after reading this, you will not shirk from helping a believer.

(5) Be Prompt In Forgiveness

World is aware of the saying, “you will reap as you sow”. So, be prompt in forgiveness if you want a prompt intercession.Hazrat ‘Ali (a.s .) advised his son Mohammad binHanafia ,

اِقْبَلْ مِنْ مُتَنَصِّلٍ عُذْرَه فَتَنَالُكَ الشَّفَاعَةُ

“Forgive promptly the one who asks forgiveness from you so that Lord may accept your intercession immediately.”11

Besides this, there are other good deeds too, by virtue of which your intercession will be accepted. Below we quote a few, viz.:

a) To propagate the education of Holy Qur’an

b) To make public the recognition of the progeny of Holy Prophet (S)

c) To strengthen the relation between the fellow believers

d) To help the poor and the needy as per your capacity

e) To bear the calamities with patience andperceiveness .

f) To behave nobly towardsneighbours and people in vicinity.

Lastly we lay stress on the most important point i.e. never be careless towards the laws laid down by the Lord. Remember that your actions will be your first intercessor to help you from the grave to the day ofjudgement , do not let your lethargicbehaviour can deprive you from intercession.

Faith in intercession generates hope in humans and lightens the path towards optimism. To obtain perpetual happiness one must never forget that intercession creates in him hope of His grace and mercy and thereby enters heaven - our last abode.

Notes

1.Khesaal al-Suduq , p. 355

2.Mahaasin ofBarqi , p. 184.

3.Amaali ofShaikh Sadooq (a.r .), pg. 370.

4.Amaali al-Suduq , p. 5

5.Uyyun Akhbaar al-Reza, vol. 2, p. 66

6.Musnad al-Ahmad, vol. 1, pg. 72.

7.Usul al-Kafi , vol. 3, p. 270

8.Usul al-Kaafi , vol. 5, pg. 469.

9.Sahih Bukhaari , vol. 1, pg. 36.

10.Behaarul Anwaar , vol. 22, pg. 87, Tr. No. 39.

11.Manla Yazharal Faqih , vol. 4, p. 279.

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