Response from “Majma‘ al-Bayān” Now...

Response from “Majma‘ al-Bayān” Now, the question that arises is that how does “ Majma‘ al-Bayān ”, which asserts that idolaters used to believe in the existence of the Resurrection, respond to ‘Allāmah Tabātabā’ī’s assertion that they never believed in the Hereafter?

Majma‘ al-Bayān ’s response can be inferred from the assertion of ‘Allāmah Tabātabā’ī in “ Al-Mīzān ”, because according to “ Al-Mīzān ”, the verse “These are our intercessors with Allah” denotes worldly, not eschatological, intercession. Intercession in this verse means repelling problems and calamities, as well as bringing good to hand.

Idolaters believed that idols were placed in the series of causes and effects and they were effective in cosmic affairs, and could alleviate the problems facing polytheists. In other words, idols could interfere in the will of Allah and influence causes according to their wishes.

Therefore, mediation and intercession were related to worldly affairs, not eschatological ones, and this was the meaning of intercession in all Qur’anic verses in which it was mentioned, having no connection whatsoever with eschatological intercession. In my opinion, we can strike a compromise between the assertions of “ Majma‘ al-Bayān ” and “ Al-Mīzān ” by saying that idolaters used to believe that there is no resurrection, and supposing the Resurrection occurs, idols will solve their problems.

The verse “These are our intercessors with Allah” means eschatological intercession, but on the assumption that it occurs; then, idols will intercede with Allah on their behalf. The following verse can be adduced to prove this assertion: “And if We let him have a taste of Our mercy after distress has befallen him, he will surely say, ‘This is my due!

I do not think the Hour will ever set in, and in case I am returned to my Lord, I will indeed have the best [reward] with Him’.” [^10] Idolaters and denial of the Resurrection Now, we will comprehensively quote verses which are related to idolaters’ denial of the Resurrection. Some are explicit while others are implicit. First verse: “Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and then settled on the Throne, directing the command.

There is no intercessor, except by His leave. That is Allah, your Lord! So worship Him. Will you not then take admonition? To Him will be the return of you all—[that is] Allah’s true promise.