(31) The Ja`fariyyah Shi`ah believe that the Holy Prophet...

(31) The Ja`fariyyah Shi`ah believe that the Holy Prophet (S) and the Immaculate Imams can intercede with Almighty Allah for the people, and so they entreat Him through the intercession of the Holy Prophet (S) and Imams to forgive them, grant them their needs, and cure the sick among them.

The Holy Qur'an has allowed them and even encouraged them to do so: “And had they, when they were unjust to themselves, come to you and asked forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah Oft-returning to mercy, Merciful. (4/64)” Regarding the right of intercession (shafa`ah) granted to the Holy Prophet (S) by Almighty Allah, the Holy Qur'an reads, “Verily your Lord will give you, so that you shall be well pleased.

(93/5)” It is thus unreasonable that Almighty Allah, Who has granted His Noble Messenger the right of intercession for the sinful ones and awarded him the right of mediation (wasilah), will prevent the people from asking the Messenger to intercede with Him for them, or deprives the Messenger of this right! The Holy Qur'an recounts that Prophet Jacob’s sons asked their father to intercede with Almighty Allah for them, saying, “O our father! Ask forgiveness of our faults for us.

Surely, we were sinners. (12/97)” This infallible prophet did not reject their request, but he responded: “I will ask for you forgiveness from my Lord. Surely, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. (12/98)” Again, none can claim that the Holy Prophet (S) and the Holy Imams are dead and that returning to them for mediation is of no avail! As a matter of fact, the Prophets in general and the Holy (S) in particular are alive.

Almighty Allah says about the Muslims and : “And thus We have made you a medium (just) nation that you may be the bearers of witness over the people and that the Messenger may be a bearer of witness over you. (2/143)” “And say (to them): Work; so Allah will see your work and so will His Messenger and the believers. (9/105)” Evidently, like the perpetuity of the sun and the moon and the continuity of day and night, this holy verse goes into effect incessantly until the Resurrection Day.

Similarly, the Holy Prophet (S) and the Holy Imams (a.s) are martyrs and as Almighty Allah says in various places of His Book, martyrs are ever-living. (32) The Ja`fariyyah Shi`ah celebrate the birthdays of the Holy Prophet (S) and the Holy Imams who are from his descendants—peace be upon them all.