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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Inquiries About Shi'a Islam Intercession (Shafa‘ah) The issue of Intercession ( Shafa‘ah ) is one of the most controversial issues within Islam. The Shi‘a school of thought and some schools within the Sunni tradition believe in the concept of Intercession, while others, like Wahabism reject it and say that whoever believes in it is not a Muslim, rather is a heretic. The Qur’an addresses this issue in three manners.

First, there are verses which negate intercession, such as 2:123 and 2:254. Second, there are verses which say that the Intercession is exclusively the domain of Allah—He and only He has the ability to intercede, such as in 6:70 and 39:44. Third, there are verses which take precedence over the first two categories and it is in these verses that the power and ability of intercession is best defined.

They state that while the Intercession is the absolute right of Allah, nevertheless, if He wishes, He can extend it to certain people among His creation. The Qur’an states: No intercessor can plead with Him except by His permission. [^1] Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His permission? [^2] On that Day, no intercession shall avail, except the one from whom Allah, the Most Gracious has given permission and whose word is acceptable to Him.

[^3] And they cannot intercede, except for Him with whom He is pleased. [^4] None shall have the power of intercession except one who has received permission or a promise from Allah, the Most Gracious. [^5] Intercession with Him profits none except for those He permits. [^6] According to these verses, certain people will have permission from Allah—such as prophets, imams, and awliya’ (intimate friend of Allah)*—*to intercede and help people by the permission of Allah.

Without His permission, no intercession will be accepted. Even during their lifetime, prophets had the ability to intercede on behalf of those who repented and sought forgiveness and returned to the path of Allah. The Qur’an states: We sent no messenger but to be obeyed by the leave of Allah.

If they who have been unjust to themselves had come to you () and begged Allah’s forgiveness, and the Messenger had begged forgiveness for them—indeed they would have found Allah All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [^7] (The brothers of Yusuf) said, “O our father! Ask forgiveness from Allah for our sins.