Explanation of the Author's Statement: The Chapter on Intercession

The Shaykh : Intercession (shafa'ah) is a name derived from the verb shafa'a yashfa'u, meaning to make something a pair, and it is the opposite of odd. Odd is the opposite of even. Allah the Exalted said: In technical usage, it means interceding on behalf of another to bring about a benefit or avert a harm. This intercession is interceding for another to bring about a benefit or avert a harm. An example of bringing about a benefit is the intercession of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) for the people of Paradise so that they may enter Paradise. An example of averting a harm is the intercession of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) for those who have earned the Fire so that they may not enter the Fire. This is all part of the categories of intercession, as will be mentioned, if Allah wills. Intercession is used for several matters, all of which are established, as will be explained in the discussion of the types. The author mentioned intercession in the book of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) because the polytheists who worship idols say that they are intercessors for us with Allah. They associate partners with Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) in this through supplication, calling for aid, and the like. They say that we worship them so that they may be intercessors for us with Allah, bringing us closer to Allah the Exalted. This is what they say, and in reality, they think that by doing so, they are honoring Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He), but in fact, they are diminishing Allah, not honoring Him. For Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) is All-Knowing of everything, and He has complete, absolute authority. He does not need intercessors. He has complete power; He is All-Knowing, All-Powerful, and possesses complete authority. One who is thus does not need intercessors. The kings of this world need intercessors due to the deficiency of their knowledge or the deficiency of their power, so they need intercessors in that, or due to the deficiency of their authority, so the intercessors become bold with them and intercede without seeking permission. But Allah (Mighty and Majestic) is perfect in knowledge, power, and authority, so He does not need anyone to intercede with Him. For this reason, intercession does not occur except by His permission, due to the perfection of His authority and His greatness (Glorified and Exalted is He). Then, intercession is not intended to assist Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) in anything for which the intercessor intercedes. Rather, two things are intended by it: honoring the intercessor and benefiting the one for whom intercession is made. As for intending by it to assist Allah (Mighty and Majestic) or support Him or the like, that is impossible, as will be mentioned in the words of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him).