In other words...

In other words, they were rebuked for worshipping something other than God and considering false deities as intercessors. Similarly, the Jews had a wrong thought that despite their sins, their forefathers and ancestors, who were Prophets of Allah would make intercession for them on the Day of Judgement; or they imagined that on that Day those Prophets could give ransom for their sins the same as some of their people employ bribery in this world.

Thus, the Qur’an outrightly rejects their expectation of intercession on the Day of Judgment. However, based on other related verses, the concept of intercession cannot be denied outrightly because of the following points: First, worshipping something other than God is not permissible, and the right of intercession essentially belongs to God, who has permitted some of His chosen servants to intercede with His permission.

Therefore, there is no common ground between the Muslims’ view of intercession and that of the polytheists or the Jews. Indeed, it can be argued that the very idea of requesting intercession from good servants of God and with the permission of God is an embodiment of the unity of God.

Second, some verses attest to and establish the occurrence of intercession on the Day of Judgement but based on Allah’s permission: “Who is it that may intercede with Him except with His permission?” (Qur’an 2: 255) Third, to understand the Qur’anic viewpoint, related verses must be considered. And through careful attention to the term “nor friendship,” we understand that God negates intercession based on friendship ties, not intercession itself.

In other words, on the Day of Resurrection, ties of friendship among the disbelievers will be cut while those amid the pious will be maintained: To sum up the discussion on the four categories of verses on intercession, we say: Firstly: Intercession is the right of the Almighty Allah and it is limited only to Him and in this aspect has no fixed limit, since He is the true owner of all existing things.

Thus, the reward and punishment of people on Judgment Day is also at the discretion of Almighty Allah and no one can interfere in it, except through His permission and approval. Therefore, intercession is also under His discretion. Secondly: Other than the Almighty Allah other people may also intercede, but subject to the fact that Almighty Allah should accord them permission to intercede and that He should accept their intercession.