The Shiite Apologetics
Question Eleven
What does intercession mean and why do Shiites believe in it?
Answer:
Intercession is one of the definite principles of Islam which, in compliance with the verses of the Quran and the tradition, has been accepted by all Islamic sects however disagreed they may be among themselves concerning its result. What intercession really means is that an esteemed person, who enjoys proximity to God, asks Him for someones sins to be forgiven or for a rank to be promoted. The noble Prophet said, I have been endowed with five divine gifts as well as (the permission) to intercede, so I saved it on for my Ummah.[1]
Limitations
In the viewpoint of the Quran, an absolute and unconditional intercession is rejected; however, intercession may operate
a) if the one who intercedes is close to God and has been permitted. The Quran says: They will have no powers of intercession, save the one who has made a covenant with his Lord. (19:87)
On that day no intercession avails save the person unto whom the Compassionate has given leave and whose word He accepts. (20:108)
b) If the person who is interceded for, himself deserves to receive Divine grace through the interceder, i.e. neither his trust in God nor his spiritual bond with the interceder is
[1] Musnad Ahmad, vol. 1, p. 301; Sahih al-Bukhari, vol. 1, p. 91, Egypt.
disrupted. Thus, those disbelieving in God, and some Muslim sinners such as those who do not perform their prayers and the murderers who lack a spiritual bond with the interceder, will not be included for intercession. Referring to those who do not perform their prayers and those who deny the Day of Resurrection, the Quran says:
The mediation of no mediators will avail them then. (74:48)
Then the intercession of interceders shall not profit them, and as regards the wrongdoers, there will be no friend for the wrongdoers, nor any interceder who will be heard. (40:18)
The Philosophy of Intercession:
Like repentance, intercession is a glimpse of hope for those who can, halfway through their sinful life, repent and follow a worshipful life, obeying God. A sinner, who realizes that the conditions under which intercession is possible are limited, not uncategorical, may try to observe these limitations, and not to violate them.
Results of Intercession:
Muslim commentators differ as to the eventuality of intercession; that is, whether it results in ones sins to be forgiven, or in a rank to be promoted. However, based on the holy Prophets words who said, My intercession on the Day of Judgment is for those of my Ummah who have committed grave sins[1] the first assumption seems clearer.
[1] Sunan Ibn Majah, vol. 2, p. 583; Musnad Ahmad, vol. 3, p. 213; Sunan Abi-Dawud, vol. 2, p. 537; Sunan al-Tirmidhi , vol. 4, p. 45.
