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The narrations just mentioned, prove beyond doubt that intercedence
is a given fact and a right granted to some chosen worshippers of
Yet, some heedless Muslims argue that intercedence is a sort of
polytheism, as if they have not read the Holy Quran. The following
Quranic verses explicitly speak of intercedence on the Day of Rising. "Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth?"
"And they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable."
"No intercessor (can plead with Him) except after His Leave." (10: 3)
"None shall have the power of intercession, but such a one as has
received permission (or promise) from the Most Gracious (Allah)."
"On that Day shall no intercession avail except for those for whom
permission has been granted by (Allah) the Most Gracious." (20: 109)
"No intercession can avail His presence, except for whom He has
"Their intercession will avail nothing except after Allah has given leave
for whom He pleases and that he is acceptable to Him." (53: 26)
These verses speak of intercedence on the Day of Rising. There are
also Quranic verses, which prove intercedence in this world; some of
1."If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto
thee and asked Allah's forgiveness, and the Apostle had asked
forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah indeed oft-
returning, Most merciful." (4: 64)
2.They said: "O our father! Ask for us forgiveness for our sins, for we
3.'And ask forgiveness for thy fault, and for the men and women who
4.'And pray on their behalf, verily thy prayers are a source of security
5."Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner
Moreover, Sayyid Muhammad Hussain Tabataba'i explained what
intercession means in his Al-Mizan v.1, pp.227-265. He says: "When
he (man) wants to get a reward without doing his task; or to save
himself from punishment without performing his duty, then he looks for
someone to intercede on his behalf. But intercession is effective only if
the person for whom one intercedes is otherwise qualified to get the
reward and has already established a relationship with the authority. If
an ignorant person desires appointment to a prestigious academic
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post, no intercession can do him any good; nor can it avail in case of a
rebellious traitor who shows no remorse for his misdeeds and does not
submit to the lawful authorities.
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