For instance...

For instance, when the seeds of plants split open and the feeble sprout emerges, the soil provides it with nutrients, the sun shines at it with its warm light, and it pours with life-sustaining rain from dense clouds. As a result, this delicate creature can overcome obstacles and turn into a giant, luxuriant tree. Likewise, capable parents who protect and raise their feeble infant and knowledgeable person who helps the ignorant one are examples of generative intercession.

(Makarim Shirazi, The Message of the Qur’an, vol. 6, p. 522; Sayyid Hasan Tahiri Khurram-Abadi, Intercession, p.104) 2. Legislative Intercession Legislative (Tashri‘ī) intercession is based on the technical meaning of the term, that is the act of mediating between two parties. The intercessor attaches himself to the person in need of intercession, meets his needs, and tries to save him. According to Shi‘a and many Sunni scholars, at least the Prophets enjoy this right.

As to how intercessors intercede for sinners, their intercession is a reflection of the generative intercession, although this occurs in the hereafter. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said, “Intercession is the wings of the one who asks for forgiveness.” (Nahjul-Balaghah, Feid-ul-Islam, sayings, no. 60, p.1115) In other words, just as the nestlings learn how to fly with the help of their parents, intercessors are the wings of the sinner that can help him achieve salvation and perfection.

(Makarim Shirazi, The Message of the Qur’an, vol. 6, p.522) The Philosophy of Intercession Does intercession encourage sinners to commit more sins and eventually cause a man to lag behind others in achieving perfection? In other words, what is the purpose of intercession? Why does God, Who can intercede Himself, grant this privilege to some of His servants? To answer these questions, it is important to discuss the positive outcomes of intercession for those who seek it.

The philosophy of intercession includes: 1. Giving hope and removing despair When a person gives in to his carnal desires and commits sins as a result, this can lead to feelings of hopelessness. God through His Wisdom offers intercession as an option. This hope for intercession by the Friends of God, that is, the Prophets and Imams, makes man optimistic about life and Allah’s mercy; he endeavours to do good deeds to rise to a higher spiritual rank that makes him deserving of intercession. 2.