It is this aspect of Islam, which brings it closest to human nature.

It is this aspect of Islam, which brings it closest to human nature. Allah knows that man is genetically weak; his willpower and resistance break down in trying circumstances. Therefore, to make things easier for man, He has, in His infinite mercy and magnanimity, consciously narrowed down the list of prescriptions and has showered countless concessions and choices on man.

So Islam is not a straitjacket religion; it does not enjoin upon its followers to lead a pressure cooker existence; rather it expects its adherents to live creatively to explore the universe and to make maximum contribution to the welfare of humanity. Allah also knows that, in the absence of strong faith, man feels insecure. Therefore, He has allowed him means to fortify his faith in different ways.

One of these ways is to rely on the support and mediation of His own favourites, people who live for His pleasure alone and who have resolved the dichotomy between intentions and deeds and are on the right track. Their close proximity to Allah is a consequence of their love for Allah and His Messenger*(Peac Be Up Him and His Household)* , which they have persistently strengthened and steeled by their noble acts.

Knowing that man is not only impatient but is also unable to sustain the requisite level of concentration which is a prerequisite for the acceptance of his supplications, Allah has allowed him to rely on the means of His pious people for the fulfilment of his needs and the alleviation of his troubles. This act is called the act of intermediation. It means that a needy person or the petitioner can process his supplication or prayer through these favourites of Allah.

The rationale behind this mediation is that Allah holds His favourites so dear that, while He can turn down the petition of an ordinary creature, He will never turn down the request of His favourite. And since His most favourite and beloved friend is the holy Prophet*(Peac Be Up Him and His Household)* , any supplication processed through him carries the divine guarantee of its acceptance.

The sanity and propriety of this mode of dependence is corroborated by evidence exuding from every pore and joint of the phenomenal world in which we live. The reality of intermediation as a valid and permissible act has been established by the holy Qur’ān and the practice of the Prophet*(Peac Be Up Him and His Household)* , the , the and the righteous people.