This tradition has been reproduced by Imam Muslim[2]and Imam...

This tradition has been reproduced by Imam Muslim[2]and Imam Ahmad bin Hambal [3]. Repeated references to this tradition by people of such calibre and prestige, and our dogged defiance of its contents are nothing but harrowing unawareness of the real spirit of our faith.

Intermediation, which has been established as a valid act in Islam by countless Qur’ānic injunctions and authentic and certified traditions and which has been practised by the large majority of Muslims, is now turned into a matter of dispute and controversy, and is now being used as a convenient ploy to not only indulge in incriminating one another in disbelief but also to give vent to our personal frustrations.

If we care to reflect on his words and statements, we will come to realize that to insist on the illegality of intermediation, either as a doctrine or in some of its actual applications, especially when its legality has been conclusively established both by the Qur’ān and the hadith, is nothing but religious perversity.

Tens of statements made by the Holy Prophet*(Peac Be Up Him and His Household)* are witness to the fact that to rely on valid forms of intermediation in order to come closer to Allah is quite consistent with Qur’ānic commands and the Prophet’s statements. As it is reported by ‘Amr bin Shu‘ayb that his grandfather says: we were present in the company of the holy Prophet*(Peac Be Up Him and His Household)* when messengers from Hawāzin tribe came and said: O Muhammad!

We belong to the same origin and tribe, and the trouble we are facing is not hidden from you, therefore, have mercy on us. The holy Prophet*(Peac Be Up Him and His Household)* replied: opt one of the two choices; either take away your property and wealth or have your women freed. They opted for their women and children.

Then the Messenger of Allah*(Peac Be Up Him and His Household)* added: as far as my share and the share of ‘Abd-ul-Muttalib and his children (in the spoils) is concerned, I have already given it to you.

But when I have performed the noon prayer, you should all stand up and say: Through the means of the Messenger of Allah (Peac Be Up Him and His Household)* we seek help for our women and children from believers (or Muslims).[4]* The narrator says that when people had finished their prayer, they repeated the same words as the Prophet*(Peac Be Up Him and His Household)* had advised them.