This applies to parents who may function as intercessors for...

This applies to parents who may function as intercessors for their children or vice versa, and in the same way to teachers for their students, or even to a muizzin (one who calls people for prayers) for those who have remembered prayers and gone to the mosque after hearing his voice. In fact, the same good effects of the above cases represent as intercession and help in the Resurrection.

Another point is that ‘asking for forgiveness’ by others for the sinners in this world is a kind of intercession. Even praying for others and asking God for the fulfillment of their needs is a type of intercession with God because they are all mediations between God and His servants in allowing them to receive a benefit or preventing them from receiving harm.

Conditions of Intercession As pointed out above, the main condition for the performance of or being the subject of intercession is God’s permission. The Holy Qur’an maintains: “Who is it that may intercede with Him except with His permission” (al- Baqarah:255). In addition, the Holy Qur’an claims: “There is no intercessor except by His leave” (Yūnus:3). Also: “Intercession will not avail that day except from Him whom the All-beneficient allows and approves of his word” (TāHa:109).

The Holy Qur’an also claims: “Intercession is of no avail with Him except for those whom He permits” (Saba’:23) The above verses generally prove God’s permission as a prerequisite for intercession; however, they do not have anything to do with the characteristics of its subjects. Other verses, nevertheless, provide more clarified conditions for both sides (the intercessors and the subjects of intercession).

For example: “Those whom they invoke besides Him have no power of intercession except those who are witness to the truth and who know [for whom to intercede]” (al-Zukhruf:86) The phrase ‘someone who testifies to the truth’ might refer to the (Angel) witnesses who are aware of the servants’ deeds and intentions through God’s teachings and can witness the quality and value of their deeds.

Moreover, as it is understood from the proportion between religious statements and their subjects, the intercessors should be knowledgeable so as that they can recognise whether one deserves intercession or not. Certainly amongst those who possess both characteristics are our innocent Imams. Moreover, it is understood from some verses that the subjects of intercession should have acquired God’s satisfaction.