Therefore...

Therefore, it is quite rational, and a recognition of human limitations, to believe in their opinions because their statements are not based on any inanity or triviality but have been derived through extraordinary observation and supported by the ballast of divine sanction, as no one can deny that “what is heard cannot equal what is seen.” In the context of istighāthah and intermediation, we propose to cast a cursory glance at the conduct, experiences and observations of these righteous people who have provided glimmers of light and guidance to the creatures of Allāh groping in the amorphous shades of darkness and depression: Imām Zayn-ul-‘Ābidīn Imām Zayn-ul-‘Ābidīn supplicates to the Holy Prophet*(Peace Be Upon Him and His Household)* for help and intercession in these words: O mercy of the worlds!

You are the intercessor for the sinners. On account of your infinite generosity, mercy and magnanimity, intercede for us on the Day of Judgement. O, who has come to all the worlds as a source of mercy, help Zayn-ul-‘Ābidīn! Who is caught in trials and tribulations by the party of the oppressors (and beseeches your help). Imām Mālik Imām Mālik’s prominence as one of the four jurists of Islam is well-established.

Once Caliph Abū Ja‘far Mansūr visited Medina and he asked Imām Mālik: ‘while supplicating, should I turn my face to the prayer niche [and turn my back to the Holy Prophet*(Peace Be Upon Him and His Household)* ] or should I turn my face to the Holy Prophet [ (Peace Be Upon Him and His Household) and turn my back to the prayer niche]?’ On this interrogation, Imām Mālik replied: ‘(O caliph!) Why do you turn your face from the Holy Prophet*(Peace Be Upon Him and His Household)* , as he is the means for you and for your ancestor Adam*(Peace Be Upon Him)* on the Day of Judgement?

Rather you should (pray and supplicate by) turning towards the Prophet*(Peace Be Upon Him and His Household)* and seek his intercession so that he intercedes for you before Allāh on the Day of Judgement.

Allāh has declared: (O beloved!) And if they had come to you, when they had wronged their souls, and asked forgiveness of Allāh, and the Messenger also had asked forgiveness for them, they (on the basis of this means and intercession) would have surely found Allāh the Granter of repentance, extremely Merciful.’ [1] This incident has been narrated by Qādī ‘Iyād in his ash-Shifā (2:596) with a sound chain of transmission.